Mayday Cherry vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Mayday Cherry vs Black Cherry

Prunus padus

Prunus serotina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Mayday Cherry
Black Cherry

Mayday Cherry is a small deciduous tree known for its early blooming and fragrant white flowers.

A favourite specimen tree on prairie homesteads, Mayday Cherry produces small black berries that are inedible to people but highly desirable to birds.

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.

Mayday Cherry Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low

Toxicity: seeds and leaves are toxic if ingested

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock
Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: early blooming, white
Flowers: white
Fruit: small black berries
Fruit: dark red
Berries: small black berries
Seeds: located within the berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Other Names: common bird cherry, european bird cherry
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry