Black Cherry vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Tulip Tree

Prunus serotina

Liriodendron tulipifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Cherry
Tulip Tree

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.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: white
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Fruit: dark red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: ON
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar