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Late cherry

Name: Late cherry
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Black Cherry

Latin name Prunus serotina

Quantity per packet Minimum 25 seeds

Black Cherry provides food and shelter for countless wildlife species while enhancing the landscape with fragrant flowers and beautiful seasonal color. Its relatively fast growth and exceptional ecological value make it an outstanding tree for naturalization projects.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameBlack Cherry

Latin namePrunus serotina

FamilyRosaceae

TypeNative tree

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 25 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0012

Product
description

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a large native tree with a moderate to fast growth rate, valued for its fragrant spring blossoms, dark edible fruit, and exceptional ecological importance. In spring, its long clusters of creamy white flowers attract native bees and many other beneficial pollinators, while the glossy black cherries that ripen in late summer provide an important food source for birds and small mammals. With its stately form, dark green foliage, and beautiful autumn color, Black Cherry is an outstanding choice for large landscapes, wildlife hedgerows, naturalization projects, and ecological plantings.

Black Cherry grows best in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soils that remain moderately moist. Once well established, it becomes a vigorous, low-maintenance tree capable of tolerating short periods of drought. During the first few years, regular watering and an organic mulch encourage deep root development and balanced growth. Because it eventually reaches a substantial size, it should be planted where it has plenty of room to develop its full canopy and provide welcome shade.

Beyond its ornamental beauty, Black Cherry is one of the most valuable native trees for wildlife gardens and edible woodlands. Its edible fruit can be transformed into jellies, syrups, jams, wines, and other traditional preserves, although it is especially prized as a food source for wildlife. Planted alongside Shadblow Serviceberry, Black Chokeberry, Highbush Cranberry, and Canada Elderberry, it creates diverse landscapes rich in flowers, fruit, and biodiversity. With its nectar-rich spring bloom, abundant fruit production, and excellent hardiness, Prunus serotina is a remarkable native tree for sustainable Canadian landscapes.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after soaking, warm stratification, and cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth9 mm (0.35 in)

Spacing / density

6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft)

Germination temperature20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)

Germination timeSeveral weeks to a few months

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after warm and cold stratification. Fresh seed generally provides the highest germination rates.

Growing
method

Sow Black Cherry seeds after a period of warm stratification followed by cold stratification to reproduce their natural dormancy cycle. Plant the seeds in a fresh, well-drained growing medium and maintain even moisture throughout germination. Germination may be slow and irregular, taking anywhere from several weeks to several months. Young seedlings thrive in full sun and fertile soils. Once established, Black Cherry grows relatively quickly into a majestic native tree, making it an outstanding choice for reforestation, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity-focused landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Fresh, well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soil. This species prefers fertile soils rich in organic matter but adapts well to a wide range of growing conditions.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is recommended during establishment to keep the soil evenly moist. Once rooted, the tree tolerates short periods of drought.

Fertilization

An annual application of compost or well-decomposed organic matter in spring encourages healthy growth. Established trees rarely require additional fertilization when grown in fertile soils.

Care levelModerate

In spring, inspect the tree and remove any dead or damaged branches. Water during extended dry periods throughout the first few growing seasons to encourage strong root development. Maintain an organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed competition. Light structural pruning may be carried out during dormancy if necessary. In autumn, allow fallen leaves to decompose naturally whenever possible to enrich the soil.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

75 to 100 cm (30 to 40 in)

Black Cherry can be grown in a large, deep container during its first few years to accommodate its developing taproot. Use a rich, well-drained growing medium and water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Full sun encourages vigorous growth and good disease resistance. Because it matures into a large tree, transplanting into the landscape is recommended after a few seasons.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its abundant nectar-rich spring blossoms and generous fruit production make Black Cherry one of the most valuable native trees for pollinators, wildlife, and biodiversity while providing majestic beauty in the landscape.

Garden use

Black Cherry is an outstanding shade tree for wildlife gardens, naturalization projects, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its fragrant spring blossoms brighten the landscape, while its abundant fruit feeds birds and mammals later in the season. Beautiful fall color adds further ornamental value, making this native tree an excellent choice for ecological and woodland plantings.

Bloom period

Long clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers bloom in spring, providing an abundant nectar source for native pollinators while adding exceptional ornamental beauty.

Flower colorCreamy white

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

August to September

Fruiting

Edible black cherries ripening in late summer

Wildlife appealBees, birds, and beneficial wildlife

Size
and facts

Height15 to 20 m (49 to 66 ft)

Spread6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft)

Growth rateModerate to fast

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Black Chokeberry, Highbush Cranberry, Canada Elderberry

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Yucca

Recipe
and inspiration

The small black cherries can be transformed into delicious jellies, syrups, jams, wines, and other traditional preserves. Their flavor becomes much more enjoyable once fully ripe or cooked. The fruit is also an important food source for birds and small mammals. Black Cherry has a long history of culinary and traditional use throughout North America.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Black Cherry seeds? +

Black Cherry seeds should ideally undergo warm stratification followed by cold stratification before sowing. This treatment closely mimics natural forest conditions and greatly improves germination.

Are Black Cherry fruits edible? +

Yes. Fully ripe fruits are edible and are commonly used in jellies, syrups, jams, wines, and other traditional recipes. Their flavor improves significantly after processing.

Does Black Cherry attract wildlife? +

Yes. The fragrant flowers attract numerous pollinators, while the fruit provides an important food source for many bird species and small mammals.

Is Black Cherry hardy in Canada? +

Yes. Black Cherry is fully hardy throughout most of Canada and adapts very well to fertile woodland soils and natural landscapes.

Why should I plant Black Cherry? +

Black Cherry combines fragrant spring blossoms, abundant edible fruit, beautiful fall color, rapid growth, and exceptional ecological value, making it one of the finest native trees for wildlife-friendly and sustainable landscapes.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.