Appearance
The black cherry is a species in the subgenus "Padus" and is a deciduous tree growing to 15–30 m tall with a trunk diameter of up to 70–120 cm, occasionally more, with flowers in racemes.The leaves are simple, 6–14 cm long, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small, with five white petals and about 20 stamens, and are fragrant; there are around 40 flowers on each raceme.
The species epithet, "serotina", means "late," and refers to the tree flowering later in the season than many other cherry species. The fruit is a drupe, 1 cm in diameter, green to red at first, ripening to black; it is usually astringent and bitter when eaten fresh, but also somewhat sweet. The fruit is readily eaten by birds.
A mature black cherry can easily be identified in a forest by its very broken, dark grey to black bark, which has the appearance of very thick, burnt cornflakes.
However, for about the first decade or so of its life, the bark resembles that of a birch, and is thin and striped. It can also quickly be identified by its long, shiny leaves resembling those of a sourwood, and by an almond-like odor when a young twig is scratched and held close to the nose.
Naming
The two subspecies of "Prunus serotina":⤷ "P. s." subsp. "serotina" - Canada, United States
⤷ "P. s." subsp. "capuli" McVaugh - Mexico, Guatemala
The typical subsp. "P. s. serotina" is sometimes further divided into four varieties, var. "serotina" in the east of the range, var. "eximia" in Texas, and vars. "rufula" and "virens" in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Black cherry is closely related to the chokecherry; chokecherry, however, is classified as a shrub or small tree and has smaller, less glossy leaves.
Uses
The fruit of "Prunus serotina" is suitable for making jam and cherry pies, and has some use in flavoring liqueurs; they are also a popular flavoring for sodas and ice creams. The black cherry is commonly used instead of sweet cherries to achieve a sharper taste. It is also used in cakes which include dark chocolate, such as a Black Forest gateau and as garnishes for cocktails.The wood of "P. serotina" is also used for cooking and smoking foods, where it imparts a unique flavor.
"P. serotina" timber is valuable; perhaps the premier cabinetry timber of the U.S., traded as "cherry". It is known for its strong red color and high price. Its density when dried is around 580 kg per cubic meter.
"P. serotina" trees are sometimes planted ornamentally.
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