Black cherry

Prunus serotina

Native
Tree

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Human edibility

Not researched

Edible parts

Not yet checked.

Hazardous parts

all parts (NC State poison text), fruits, leaves, seeds (NC State fruit description: these contain cyanide compounds)

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin and prunasin)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA, Black Cherry: cyanogenic glycosides. Stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Signs: brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. NC State rates the poison severity medium: all parts are potentially toxic and, if ingested, likely to cause death in livestock and pets.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones 2a to 8b (US system).
Mature size: Height 60-80 ft; width 30-60 ft. NC State: available space more than 60 ft.
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Where it comes from: North America: western Canada to the northwestern United States and eastern Canada to Guatemala (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon