SCIENTIFIC NAME
Prunus serotina. Derivation: The genus name is the classical Latin name for the plum tree. The specific epithet means late, referring to the relatively 1atematuring fruit.

FAMILY
Rosaceae, the rose family.

OTHER NAMES
cabinet cherry, rum cherry, wild cherry, wild black cherry.

DISTRIBUTION
Black cherry grows from Nova Scotia to Maine and Minnesota, south to eastern Texas and east to central Florida. It is also found in western and southern Mexico and Guatemala.

THE TREE
Black cherry is a handsomely shaped tree, growing to a height of 60 to 80 feet with a diameter of 2 to 3 feet. It prefers deep, rich soil with uniform moisture. The pea-sized dark red cherries are edible and have a slightly bitter taste. They are sometimes used for jellies and a beverage called rum cherry.

THE TIMBER
The narrow sapwood is whitish to pale reddish-brown but is not always clearly defined from the heartwood. The heartwood is variable in color from light yellowish or pinkish-brown to dark reddish-brown but is normally uniform in a given specimen. It has a rich luster usually with a straight grain but frequently pieces are found with dark wavy streaks of striking beauty. The crotches and burls are highly prized for figured veneers. The figure on quartersawn surfaces is beautiful. Average reported specific gravity is 0.47 (ovendry weight/green volume), equivalent to an air-dried weight of 36 pd. This species has strength properties that are in many respects excellent, in fact superior to those of some woods classed as structural timbers.

SEASONING .
Black cherry seasons mildly and well, normally drying at a better than average rate. It can be air or kiln dried with usually good results. It has a tendency to warp, but this can be corrected by weighting the seasoned stock. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) are 3.7% radial, 7.1 % tangential and 11.5 % volumetric.

DURABILITY
Beetle damage is found in black cherry, and the wood is not resistant to fungal attack. For the purposes for which black cherry is used, durability is unimportant.

WORKABILITY
In general, this species works well, saws cleanly, planes excellently and is a useful timber for turnery purposes. Screw holding properties are good and glue adhere well. It takes all kinds of finishes very well, turning darker and richer with age. It often bears a strong resemblance to genuine mahogany and for this reason is frequently called New England mahogany.

USES
Black cherry was used extensively in the 18th century for manufacturing furniture, cabinets and interior trim. It was also used as backings for electro types and zinc etchings, woodenware, veneer, musical and scientific instruments, novelties, tool handles and furniture. Black cherry has regained its popularity as a cabinetry wood and is being used despite its increasing cost.

SUPPLIES
Although supplies are not as plentiful as in the past due to extensive cutting, black cherry is available at ever increasing prices on the North American market. The largest production comes from the New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia mountain areas.

Information from A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Second Edition, James H. Flynn, Jr. and Charles D. Holder, Editors. Forest Products Society, Madison, Wisconsin, 2001

Photographs from MDArtworks