Prunus serotina
Black cherry
 
Black cherry is a large tree with fragrant spring flowers and glossy foliage. It grows quickly (be warned!) and adapts to a wide range of soils, making it a common sight in both forests and open landscapes.
 
Ecologically, black cherry is a powerhouse. It supports hundreds of species of moth and butterfly caterpillars and produces small black fruits eaten by dozens of bird species, from warblers to thrushes.
 
While it may not flaunt the ornamental appeal of some cherries, black cherry earns its place through utility, resilience, and the quiet authority of a long-lived native giant.
 
photo by Ayotte, Gilles