Prunus serotina (black cherry)

Prunus serotina (black cherry). . , Family:Rosaceae (Rose Family), Distribution: Black cherry is widespread throughout eastern North America, western Canada, and Washington state. It is found in almost every county of West Virginia., Size: Black cherry trees can grow up to 125 ft. tall., Habitat/Description: This deciduous tree can be found in fence rows, roadsides, fields, thickets, canyons, floodplains, lower riparian slopes, and moist or dry open woods. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. The type of soil in which it grows, acidic, alkaline, or neutral, varies depending on region. The largest sizes of black cherry in West Virginia can be found on the western slopes of mountains. Leaves are alternate, elongate with a pointed tip and usually two tiny glands present on the petiole just below the blade. White, lace-like, fragrant blossoms in long finger-shaped inflorescences form between early-spring and mid-summer. The dark-reddish to blackish fruits are consumed by birds, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and black bears. This tree also attracts Eastern tent caterpillars. This is a native, non-invasive species., Ethnobotanical Uses: The pitted fruits of black cherry are edible raw or cooked. They have been used in wine, rum, brandy, and jellies. The leaves, twigs, bark, and seeds produce amygdalin, a compound found in other stone fruits in the Rose Family, like almonds and plums. Amygdalin releases cyanide gas in the presence of the appropriate enzyme which may occur both within the plant and gut of the ingesting organism. Most livestock poisoning comes from eating the wilted leaves of black cherry, which contain more toxin than fresh leaves. This is not the case for white-tailed deer, who browse the saplings and seedlings without harm. The inner bark (where amygdalin is concentrated) was used historically in the Appalachians as a cough remedy, sedative, and tonic. The Cherokee also used an infusion of the bark to treat cough and cold. This remedy works because toxin derivatives quell the spasms of smooth muscle in bronchioles. Consuming a large amount of black cherry twigs, bark, or leaves could potentially cause cyanide poisoning. Wood from black cherry, with its cream-colored sapwood and beautiful red heartwood, has been used for paneling, furniture, interior trim, handles, veneers, scientific instruments, and toys. Black cherry is also used for the reclamation of mine spoil.