Black Cherry
Beginning of floweringPrunus serotina
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
Quick Facts
Primary Infection - Flowers and Young Leaves
Spring Canker Activation
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Root Colonization Period
+ 16 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Phenological Calendar
As of May 14, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1926.1 to 2121.1 GDD₃₂. Black Cherry has passed beginning of flowering (1656 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 14, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,121 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,113 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,085 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,047 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,016 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,994 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,926 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 1656 | — |
Source: OSU phenology catalog (OSU: weather.cfaes.osu.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 14, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 30, 2026, then climate normals.
Diseases: Regionally Documented (53)
Pests: Regionally Documented (31)
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