Western Mountain Ash vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Mountain Ash vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Sorbus scopulina

SOLD OUT

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Black Cherry
Western Mountain 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.

Western Mountain Ash is a popular ornamental tree native to the western part of North America. Its attractive, white clusters of flowers bloom in early summer, making way for red, yellow or orange fruit in the fall. If the fruit doesn't catch your eye, Western Mountain Ash's autumn colours will capture your–and the birds's–attention.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Western Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Berries: bunches of orange-red berries appear in late summer
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: cascade mountain ash, greene mountain ash