Black Cherry vs Snowball Viburnum - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Snowball Viburnum

Prunus serotina

Viburnum opulus Roseum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Cherry
Snowball Viburnum

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.

Snowball Viburnum is a popular ornamental shrub with prolific flowering. This plant is prized for its round clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs, delighting children and adults. In fall, its leaves turn vibrant shades of red.

Snowball Viburnum is sought after as a single accent shrub, but can also make a dense hedge or privacy screen.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3b
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: purplish-red
Bark: gold to gray
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree