Leaves
are alternate, simple, single toothed, and oval or oblong shaped.
The
black cherry is a valuable timber tree of medium size, reaching a height of
60 feet and a diameter of 2 feet. It develops a large, rounded, oblong crown
when grown in the open and is found generally throughout Iowa, although it
is less common in the northwest part. It is found usually on rich, moist soils
in mixture with other species.
The thick leaves are narrow and pointed at both ends. Leaves are finely toothed with teeth curving towards the tip; dark green and very shiny above.
The twigs are dark red-brown, sometimes grayish, with the distinctive taste of the cherries. The fruit occurs in purple to black clusters.
On young stems the bark is grayish brown to red-brown, with prominent white
spots. On older trunks it is dark reddish brown to almost black, and very
rough, breaking into upturned, stiff thin scales.
[Tree Identification Homepage] - [ISUForestry Extension] - [ISU Extension]