As part of our Cycles of Gaia ecological calendar project, over the next year, we will share an insight each month on one of the member species of the calendar, or some other ecological element of the Northeast Coastal Zone (southern New England) drawn out by the calendar. This month, the black cherry’s fruiting process peaks as we enter the final third of the summer season.
Prunus serotina — prunus meaning “plum” or “cherry” and serotina meaning “late” — is the Latin name for the black cherry. So, late cherry. Why “late,” you might wonder? Well, this particular species of cherry distinguishes itself among other cherry varieties by blooming later. While other varieties typically fruit in June and July (including the more commercial ones), black cherries come out in August and September (Three River Parks District).
With its early-summer white flowers transforming into green, then red, dark red, and finally purplish-black little bulbs in August, the black cherry maintains an ever-dynamic aesthetic all year long (just wait for its fall foliage!). Native to Canada into the U.S.’s eastern parts, the black cherry tree is deciduous and prefers deep, moist, fertile soil. It thrives in full-sun to partial-shade climates, blooming best in full-sun and can grow up to 90 feet tall (though more often 50-60 feet). With a relatively high tolerance for a dynamic climate, it can endure drought and salt content. However, at climatic extremes of very dry and very wet, it no longer can thrive (UConn Plant Database).
Prunus serotina also has medicinal and edible properties. Native Americans make a decoction of its inner bark that treats colds, fevers, and relieves pain. The inner bark has, and still is, used to derive black cherry cough syrups and cough drops. Black cherries are tart not sweet, making them a wonderful fruit from which to make baked goods, wines, and jams. However, the tree’s leaves, bark, seeds, and all other non-fruit parts of the plant contain cyanogenic compounds (Cyanide Poisoning of Livestock from Cherry Tree Leaves). Though you would have to chew the seeds really hard for any cyanide to actually be released!
As well as providing humans with medicines and food, prunus serotina benefits a myriad of wildlife. Honey bees, among other bee species and flies, consume prunus serotina flower pollen and nectar. Mammals like foxes, squirrels, and chipmunks, and upwards of 33 bird species consume the black cherry fruit (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), making it an important part of the bioregion.
One of the ten most common trees that populate Connecticut’s forests, the black cherry tree makes up 3% of the population (Connecticut Tree Protective Association). Thriving in urban as well as non-urban environments, it can also be found in various locations like roadsides, fence rows, and open fields (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center). Whether you find any cherries before the birds do, that’s another question!
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