White Oak vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

White Oak vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Quercus alba

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Black Cherry
White Oak

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

White Oak is large, long-lived tree with an irregular trunk divided into spreading, often horizontal, stout branches. A highly adaptable tree, White Oak features green acorns and beautiful green leaves that turn red-purple in the fall.

With a huge growth in bourbon and scotch over the past few decades there is an emerging shortage of white oak that is the primary tree used for cask barrels and aging.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

White Oak Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: white
Nuts: acorns
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry