River Birch vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

River Birch vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Betula nigra

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Black Cherry
River Birch

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.

River Birch has beautiful, peeling, brown bark that reveals camel-colored and pink beneath. It is more borer resistant than white bark birches, which makes it a much longer-lived landscape tree.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

River Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Bark: dark gray-brown or pinkish-brown and scaly
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

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