Black cherry

Classification:

Family: Rosaceae, rose family
Genus, species: Prunus serotina

Leaves:
Leaves are shiny dark green on top, often look glossy, lance-shaped. Leaf edges are finely toothed. 1 to 2 small glands are located at base of leaf.

Bark:
Bark of older trees looks like "burnt potato chips" or dark roof shingles. Bark of younger trees is smooth, dark gray, distinctly marked with horizontal lenticels.

Flowers:
Flowers are small, fragrant, with white petals. Flowers are arranged on short stalks on a common stem.

Fruit:
Cherries are dark red, nearly black, juicy, edible, but bitter.

More Information:

Prunus is from the Latin for "plum tree."  The species name serotina is from the Latin for "autumnal" or "late," referring to the late flowering or fruiting of the cherry tree.

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