Quick answer: Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is native to 35 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained soils, neutral to acidic |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Jun |
| Height | Up to 110 ft (eastern), shorter in southwest |
| Wildlife value | Fruit eaten by 33 bird species and mammals, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Viceroy |
All parts except fruit contain poisonous substances, especially bark/leaves/seeds. Wilted leaves, twigs, seeds contain cyanogenic glycoside and amygdalin; can cause gasping, weakness, spasms, convulsions, respiratory failure. Highly toxic to humans and herbivorous mammals, may be fatal
Recorded in Europe since 1629, now highly invasive there and in northern South America; not noted as invasive/regulated in North America
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black cherry
Where is Black cherry native?
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is native to 35 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black cherry bloom?
Black cherry blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black cherry need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Well-drained soils, neutral to acidic. Mature height: Up to 110 ft (eastern), shorter in southwest.
Is Black cherry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit eaten by 33 bird species and mammals, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Viceroy.
Is Black cherry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Black cherry is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Black cherry toxic?
All parts except fruit contain poisonous substances, especially bark/leaves/seeds. Wilted leaves, twigs, seeds contain cyanogenic glycoside and amygdalin; can cause gasping, weakness, spasms, convulsions, respiratory failure. Highly toxic to humans and herbivorous mammals, may be fatal.
Where can I buy real Black cherry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Prunus serotina on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black cherry.
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Also listed under
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