Ottawa Conservation District
16731 Ferris Street
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616.846.8770 ext. 5 phone
616.842.2820 fax
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
www.ottawacd.org
Map | Directions

Tree Descriptions

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Height: 60-90’
Width: 35-50’
Growth Rate: fast
Soil: sand, loam
Moisture: moist
Shade Tolerance:  sun
Bloom Time: May-June
Flower Color: white
Uses: wildlife, timber
Spacing: 10’ x 10’ for timber, >12’ x 12’ for other uses
Habitat: Prefers moist, well-drained sandy to loamy soils and full sunlight. Salt tolerant.
Notes: Poisonous to livestock, salt tolerant, preferred deer browse.

Black cherry has fragrant, showy white flowers in May and dark red edible fruits in the fall that will attract wildlife. Yellow fall color. Black cherry is a valuable timber tree. Leaves and stems of contain a substance that is poisonous to livestock.