Black Cherry (Bareroot)

Black cherry is a large native tree valued for its fast growth, fragrant spring blooms, and strong ecological role in supporting wildlife. Offered as bareroot stock for late fall and early spring dormant planting, it can be a cost-effective option for larger plantings when planted correctly and given consistent watering during establishment, making it well suited to agroforestry systems, reforestation, and large-scale landscape plantings.

Botanically known as Prunus serotina, black cherry produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by dark fruit in late summer. Native across the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, it is valued for both its ornamental qualities and its importance in native ecosystems.

Black cherry typically grows 50–80 ft tall with a spread of 30–60 ft, forming a substantial canopy over time. It grows in full sun to part sun and establishes in loamy, organic, and richer planting areas with well-drained conditions, including both acidic and calcareous soils when planted into a well-prepared site.

Black cherry fits well in agroforestry plantings, woodland edges, and restoration projects where long-term structure and wildlife value are priorities. It provides nectar for pollinators and serves as a larval host for butterflies such as eastern tiger swallowtail and red-spotted purple. Its fruit feeds birds including cedar waxwing and wild turkey, as well as white-tailed deer. Bareroot stock is offered for late fall and early spring dormant planting.