Tree of the Week: Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Let's celebrate! This week, we're adding a black cherry (Prunus serotina) to the catalogue. Fair warning: it's not the ideal time to plant a tree in northwest Louisiana. It's getting too hot and the forecast could turn dry at any time. However, a rule of thumb is only as good as the conditions you're dealing with. Recently we've had several ground-soaking rains, and due to the passing of a toothache tree (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), we had an opening in the landscape. Since it's in a high-traffic area, it pays to fill the void. We found our black cherry on the bench and it's time to hit the court. But one thing's for sure: this rookie will need a garden hose this summer. Will it make it?

This young black cherry is six years old. On November 4, 2013, it was transplanted from the soil of the arboretum into a container. At that time it was a very small seedling. Today, it's a little less than 2 feet in height.

A few of the lower branches were removed to reveal a crooked trunk, which is perhaps the result of growing in crowded, shady conditions. Over the next several years we will work on correcting this crookedness.

The removed lower branches were studied for the characteristics of the species. Simple, elliptic leaves alternate along the twig.

Underneath, the leaves are pale green. These fresh leaves lack the characteristic orange particles; you can find an example of that feature here.

Black cherry leaves are smooth on top with serrated edges. The largest leaves on this young specimen measure more than 3 inches in length.

This past fall, one of our toothache trees died, leaving open a sunny spot. The location isn't completely free, though. The toothache tree had a close friend: a Carolina moonseed vine. The vine was co-habitating with the toothache tree, partially using the tree as a trellis. After the removal of the toothache tree, several pieces of the vine remain.

In making way for the black cherry, the pine straw mulch was pulled back and much of the moonseed vine was cleared.

A portion of the vine is allowed to cling to its designated pole and sign.

Removing the mound of moonseed vine revealed the toothache tree stump.

A shovel and a handsaw were used to remove the toothache tree stump. When it died, this tree was more than 30 years old. This individual never really thrived and cause of death has not been determined. Sometimes you just never know.

Removing the stump loosened the soil and adequately prepared a spot for the new black cherry. No extra digging was needed.

Because no soil amendments were necessary, planting the tree took no time.

Although not planted at the best time of year, we still expect big things from this little tree. First, we count on its trunk straightening, resulting in a relatively upright, pleasing posture; second, in a few years it ought to provide shade to the two nearby sidewalks; third, if the moonseed remains in its present location, the black cherry will then provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb; and finally, we expect fruits!