Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Black cherry has 64 documented diseases and 41 pests, making it one of the most heavily burdened trees in our system. It grows fast (50-60 feet at maturity), seeds prolifically, and has weed potential. In the Puget Sound lowlands, Verticillium wilt in compacted soils and brown rot in wet springs are the diseases that actually cause problems. The foliage and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to livestock. The fruit is edible for humans and excellent for birds. For residential landscapes, the mature size, disease load, and toxicity concerns make black cherry a poor choice. It has value in naturalized areas and larger properties where the wildlife food value outweighs the maintenance burden.
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1455.1 to 1613.4 GDD₃₂. Black Cherry typically reaches beginning of flowering at 1656 GDD₃₂, predicted around Apr 29.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,613 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 43 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,574 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 82 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,559 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 97 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,524 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 133 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,504 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 152 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,492 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 164 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,455 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 201 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NEXT | 1656 | — est. Apr 29 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 10, 2026, then climate normals.