Rum Cherry
Prunus serotina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prunus serotina (Rum Cherry) is a native deciduous tree found throughout most US states that blooms white flowers in May and June. This adaptable species supports bees and beetles while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.
Rum 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.
Rum 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
180"–600" H × 120"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CO and 35 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rum cherry is a large native tree that produces fragrant white flower clusters in late spring followed by small dark berries in summer. This fast-growing deciduous tree develops an oval to rounded crown and can reach substantial size at maturity.
Growing Rum Cherry
Grow Rum Cherry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 600 inches tall and spread 120 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rum Cherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Becomes very large for most residential lots
- Berries can create mess on walkways and driveways
- May be considered too wild or informal for front yards
Wildlife value
Host plant for tiger swallowtail, promethea moth, eastern tent caterpillar.
The flowers attract bees and beetles in May and June, while the berries feed numerous bird species. The foliage serves as a host plant for several butterfly and moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Prunus serotina bloom?
- Rum Cherry blooms in May and June, producing fragrant white flowers in drooping clusters.
- What pollinators visit Rum Cherry?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Prunus serotina flowers.
- Where is Rum Cherry native?
- Prunus serotina is native to most US states from Maine to Florida and west to Washington, New Mexico, and Arizona.
- What growing conditions does Rum Cherry prefer?
- This adaptable tree tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Rum Cherry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Rum 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 Rum Cherry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Rum 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 Rum Cherry toxic to livestock?
- Rum 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.
- Is Rum Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Rum 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 Rum Cherry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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