Siberian Elm vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Siberian Elm vs Black Cherry

Ulmus pumila

Prunus serotina

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Siberian Elm
Black Cherry

Siberian Elm is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree. It has a similar form to American Elm, but smaller, with a more pyramidal habit and shorter lifespan. It is also more resistant to Dutch Elm disease and is very salt tolerant.

Siberian Elm was grown as shelterbelts in the prairies after the Dustbowl disasters, where its rapid growth and tolerance for drought and cold initially made it a great success. It is an excellent shade tree.

Note: Due to it's increasingly controversial reputation for being invasive in warmer climates, we are no longer planning to grow this species for retail purchase on a regular basis.

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.

Siberian Elm Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: bright yellow
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock
Other Names: asiatic elm, chinese elm, dwarf elm
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry