Black Cherry vs Wayfaring Tree - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Wayfaring Tree

Prunus serotina

Viburnum lantana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Black Cherry
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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.

Wayfaring Tree is an adaptable and reliable shrub. It is prized for its ornamental berries that can range in color from red to yellow to black. Consider getting two trees as fruiting is maximized when another Wayfaring Tree is present.

This species has a variety of uses ranging from naturalization, mass planting, borders, and privacy screens.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Wayfaring Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
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, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
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