White Ash vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

White Ash vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Fraxinus americana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Cherry
White Ash

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 Ash is a large deciduous tree that's often grown in residential yards and along boulevards.

Similar to Green Ash, White Ash is distinguished by the lighter colour of the undersides of the leaves.

While Green Ash turns gold in the fall, White Ash turns a gorgeous burgundy.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

White Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

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


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: american ash, american biltmore, cane ash