Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
If you are looking for a fast-growing, large tree, then the Black Cherry Tree might just be the answer. Prunus serotina is a wildlife magnet and adored by pollinators. In spring, its scented white blooms appear before its purple-black fruits develop in late summer. A tall tree, this cherry reaches a final height of up to 80 feet.
Native to parts of Central and Northern America, the Black Cherry Tree is ideal for growing in USDA zones 3 to 9. Forming a large canopy as it matures, the Black Cherry Tree is a great specimen for providing shade. Perfect for growing as a specimen tree or for attracting more wildlife to your garden.
Black Cherry Tree Care
With its vigorous, vertical growth, care must be taken at the time of planting to avoid any overhead problems down the line. The Black Cherry Tree is happy in full sun to part shade as long as the soil is moist, but well-drained. However, for the best floral display and fruit production, 6 plus hours of sun per day is advisable. A fertile mulch will help not only conserve moisture but support its growth.
Annual pruning, especially when young, will help encourage a strong framework of branches and promote good air circulation as the tree matures. Black Cherry is best pruned in fall or winter when dormant.
Preferring moist soil, regular irrigation of the Black Cherry Tree is recommended until it is established.
Black Cherry Tree Spacing
When mature, the Black Cherry Tree can grow to 50 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 60 feet across. Due to its impressive final size, ample space must be given to allow it to thrive.
Black Cherry Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 50-80 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 30-60 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Black Cherry Tree
- Also Known As
- Wild Cherry, Wild Rum Cherry
- Botanical Name
- Prunus serotina
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!