Eastern Black Cherry
Prunus serotina var. serotina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Eastern Black Cherry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Eastern Black Cherry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
840"–1320" H × 360"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
Eastern Black Cherry is a large native Texas tree that produces fragrant white flower clusters in spring followed by small dark cherries loved by birds. This fast-growing deciduous tree provides excellent shade and develops attractive bark as it matures.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern Black Cherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
Supports over 450 species of butterflies and moths as a host plant, while spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Birds eagerly consume the summer cherries, making this an exceptional wildlife tree.
Common questions
- How much sun does Eastern Black Cherry need?
- Eastern Black Cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Eastern Black Cherry bloom?
- Eastern Black Cherry blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Eastern Black Cherry native?
- Eastern Black Cherry (Prunus serotina var. serotina) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Eastern Black Cherry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Eastern Black Cherry is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Eastern Black Cherry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Eastern Black Cherry is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Eastern Black Cherry toxic to livestock?
- Eastern Black Cherry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Eastern Black Cherry attract?
- Eastern Black Cherry draws butterflies, bees, and moths.
- Is Eastern Black Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Eastern Black Cherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Eastern Black Cherry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.