Thicket/ Wild Black Cherry

COMMON NAME: Wild Black Cherry

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Rum Cherry, Choke Cherry

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunus Serotina

FAMILY: Rosaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Tree to 75 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Mid May to June

FRUITING TIME: Late July to late August

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida and Central America ~ Statewide in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Bark aromatic, breaking up into small plates, appears scaly or rough ~ Leaves firm, lance shaped to oblong ~ Fruit dark purple or black

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Rosaceae) commonly called the Rose Family consists of 107 genera and 3,100 species of herbs, shrubs and trees.  The family is of great economic importance, providing fruits (such as apples, cherries, plums, peaches, raspberries and strawberries) and numerous ornamentals. The fruit of the Wild Black Cherry is edible when fully ripe and is used to make jam and wine. The bark has astringent, antitussive and sedative properties.  Preparations are used to treat cough, bronchitis and whooping cough as well as nervous digestive disorders and diarrhea. The berry has been used to prepare a dark purple dye. Wood from the Wild Black Cherry is useful for cabinet work and other wood crafts.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.