Black Cherry vs Shagbark Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Shagbark Hickory

Prunus serotina

Carya ovata

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Black Cherry
Shagbark Hickory

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.

Shagbark Hickory is a unique tree both for its looks and uses. Its bark peels into long thin vertical strips giving it a shaggy appearance. This and its golden fall leaves make it a gorgeous looking tree. This species produces tasty hickory nuts once mature. Hickory smoke is also treasured for curing meats and its generally fantastic smell.

This tree is best planted away from any buildings due to a deep taproot and large size. Many people remark on the unusual taproot for this tree that can be over 6 feet deep while the plant only has 2 feet of top growth.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Shagbark Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Bark: shaggy looking bark peels vertically in long strips
Nuts: similar to pecans
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: high



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: carolina hickory, scalybark hickory, shellbark hickory, upland hickory