American Elm vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

American Elm vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Ulmus americana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Cherry
American Elm

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.

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

American Elm Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: very long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: bright yellow
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm