Leaves are alternate, deciduous with a lustrous dark green upper surface and red fuzzy hairs along the petiole underneath. The gray, white or red-brown bark is smooth with numerous short, narrow, horizontal slits when young; becomes very dark (nearly black) and blocky when mature.
A variety of habitats except wet or very dry.
All parts of this tree, except fruit without its seed, contain a chemical which is poisonous. Fruit can be made into jams, jellies and wine. Crushed leaf has an almond scent. Wood is sought out by furniture makers because of rich orange- brown color.
Leaf length: 2.00-5.00 inches
Tree height: 30.00-100.00 feet
Where to find Black Cherry on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WAB - Walker Branch Trail 17.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.