Rum Cherry
Prunus serotina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rum Cherry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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.
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.
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.
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.