The Black Cherry is a native deciduous tree in the Rose (Rosaceae) Family. Its native range includes the midwestern to eastern United States. In Minnesota, it is native to the central and southeastern regions. The Black Cherry is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree, growing to a height of 50-80feet. Considered a pioneer species in forest communities, it is one of the first to emerge after disturbance; and does well in full-sun to part shade and medium soil moisture.
It produces fragrant, showy white flowers from April to May. Fruit is dark colored and bitter, but can be used to make jams and jellies, and is a food source for birds and other wildlife. Leaves are narrow, oblong to lanceolate, and glossy. Mature trees develop dark, scaly bark, but young trees have smooth, dark bark. Young trees can be easily confused with buckthorn, an invasive species, so identify carefully.
In Mendota Heights, Black Cherry trees make up 1.3 % of the total Tree Canopy Area (Mendota Heights Natural Resources Management Plan, 2022).