Okanese Poplar vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Okanese Poplar vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Populus x Okanese

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Cherry
Okanese Poplar

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.

Okanese Poplar is an excellent shelterbelt tree. It's one of the hardiest and fastest growing trees you can plant on the prairies. This hybrid poplar is disease resistant, drought and cold tolerant, produces no fuzz, and requires little maintenance. Okanese poplar also makes for a good privacy screen on larger properties.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Okanese Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 8 m (26 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

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


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry