Black Cherry vs Black Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Black Cottonwood

Prunus serotina

Populus trichocarpa

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Black Cherry
Black Cottonwood

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.

Black Cottonwood is the largest and tallest of the North American poplars. Named after its white, fluffy seeds with cottony hairs, this hardy tree produces sticky, fragrant buds and has a straight growth habit. Black Cottonwood needs ample moisture and nutrients to grow successfully to full height and are found in the Western provinces and the Yukon with BC being its heartland.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 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
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar