Contents
Description
Prunus Serotina Var. Virens, commonly known as the Black Cherry or Wild Cherry, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, pastures, and disturbed areas. It is known for its beautiful white flowers in the spring, dark red cherries in the summer, and vibrant foliage in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
Prunus Serotina Var. Virens can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a spread of 30 feet. The bark is dark gray and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured as it ages. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a serrated edge. The flowers are white and appear in late spring, while the fruit is a dark red or black cherry that ripens in the summer. The foliage turns a vibrant yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
Care Guide
Water: Prunus Serotina Var. Virens prefers moist soil, so water regularly especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: Prunus Serotina Var. Virens prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Prunus Serotina Var. Virens can be affected by various pests and diseases such as tent caterpillars, borers, and black knot. It can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
Prunus Serotina Var. Virens is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, pastures, and disturbed areas. It grows best in moist soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the cherries from Prunus Serotina Var. Virens be eaten?
A: Yes, the cherries are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.Q: Is Prunus Serotina Var. Virens a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, it is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 3 feet per year.Q: Does Prunus Serotina Var. Virens have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, various parts of the tree such as the bark, leaves, and cherries have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.Q: Can Prunus Serotina Var. Virens be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in containers, it is not recommended as it can grow quite large.
Related Plants
- Prunus Avium – Sweet Cherry
- Prunus Persica – Peach
- Prunus Armeniaca – Apricot
References
- “Prunus Serotina Var. Virens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=o970
- “Black Cherry.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed 16 July 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/prunus_serotina.shtml
