What is prunus serotina used for?
This widespread species is the largest and most important native cherry. The valuable wood is used particularly for furniture, paneling, professional and scientific instruments, handles, and toys. Wild cherry syrup, a cough medicine, is obtained from the bark, and jelly and wine are prepared from the fruit.
What is the common name for Prunus serotina?
black cherry
Prunus serotina, commonly called black cherry, wild cherry or wild rum cherry, is native to eastern North America, Mexico and Central America.
Are black cherry cherries edible?
Black cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, hard, and close-grained – one of the most valued cabinet and furniture woods in North America. The fruit has been used to flavor rum and brandy (“cherry bounce”). Pitted fruits are edible and are eaten raw and used in wine and jelly.
Are wild cherry trees invasive?
Summary: Black cherry trees, native to the United States, are an invasive species in Europe and thrive in that part of the world. Experiments show why: A soil-borne pathogen keeps these trees in check in the United States, but is too weak to stop them from spreading in Europe.
What is the difference between black cherry and cherry?
Black Cherries As the name indicates, these cherries have a darker skin than most cherry varieties. Black cherry trees are related to the chokecherry, but they’re significantly taller and the fruit is much sweeter.
Are there any cherries that are poisonous?
Poisonous wild cherry trees (Prunus serotina) are found throughout North America. Commonly called “black cherry” or “wild cherry,” the twigs and leaves of the trees are the source of the poison.
Why is it called black cherry?
The Cherry’s Beautiful Flowers and Fruit The actual seed in the berry is a single, black, ovoid stone. The common name black cherry is derived from the black color of the ripe fruits.
Where did the Prunus serotina tree come from?
Prunus serotina grows abundantly in North America. The species was introduced from America to England in the seventeenth century, where the tree was prized among gardeners for its attractive fall foliage, lace-like blossoms, and fruit.
Where can you find Black Cherry in the United States?
Black cherry (Prunus serotina), the largest of the native cherries and the only one of commercial value, is found throughout the Eastern United States. It is also known as wild black cherry, rum cherry, and mountain black cherry.
How often should Prunus serotina trees be cut?
Bark, roots, and leaves contain concentrations of toxic cyanogenic compounds, hence the noticeable bitter almond aroma of the inner bark. Prunus serotina can be pruned and kept at shrub size by cutting them to the ground every 2-3 years. Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.
What kind of bark does a black cherry tree have?
In English, the tree has known many different names: Wild cherry, black cherry, mountain black cherry, and rum cherry. The bark of a young wild cherry tree is a smooth, medium brown, with horizontal lenticles (raised pores in the stem of a woody plant), but grows rougher and darker as the tree matures.
