The Black Cherry is a medium-sized, deciduous tree commonly found along roadsides and fence rows in Kentucky, and is highly sought after for cabinet-making. When this tree matures, the bark becomes very dark, nearly black, with small, rough, irregular upturned plates

Wild cherries are among the most important plants for wild fowl and songbirds such as ruffed grouse, evening grosbeak, robin, and cedar waxwing, who eat their berries. .

Interestingly, all parts of cherry trees (bark, stems, leaves, seeds, and roots) contain some level of toxic cyanogenic compounds (cyanide), which has a bitter, almond aroma. Wilted cherry leaves in particular can cause death in many mammals, especially livestock. Some insects, however, can sequester this toxin and use it as a defense against predation, like the red spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis).

Historically, cherry wood was used for making carriages and early Pullman and trolley cars. Today, it is used to make precision instruments, musical instruments, and case furniture.

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Ohio State University
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