Black Cherry seeds

Black cherry is a medium- to large-sized deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. In the forest it often grows tall and straight with a clear trunk, while open-grown trees develop broader, more spreading crowns. Mature height typically ranges from 50–90 feet, though exceptionally vigorous specimens can exceed 100 feet.

The bark is one of its most recognizable traits: young trees have smooth, dark bark with horizontal lenticels, while older trees develop thick, broken, dark plates that look like burnt potato chips. Leaves are simple, glossy, and finely toothed. In spring, the tree produces long drooping clusters of white flowers, which later develop into small dark purplish-black cherries that wildlife heavily favor. Its wood is prized for its dark color. Black cherry firewood makes an amazing smell when burned in a wood stove or open fire. 

In terms of growth habit, black cherry is relatively fast-growing when young and requires full sun to be healthy. They will tolerate shade for a several years but eventually without full sun they will decline and die out. It prefers well-drained soils—sandy loams, loams, and even rocky slopes—but does not like prolonged waterlogging. Natural regeneration is common under and around parent trees due to heavy wildlife dispersal of seeds. It has a strong taproot when young and becomes more deeply and widely rooted with age, contributing to its drought tolerance. Black cherry is also known for its susceptibility to tent caterpillars and to fire blight–like pathogens, though mature trees typically withstand occasional defoliation.

Black cherry seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. For germination, the seeds need 90–120 days of cold, moist stratification at temperatures around 34–41°F. This can be done by mixing seeds with moist sand or peat in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or by sowing them outdoors in fall and allowing natural winter conditions to provide the chilling period. Our seed have been refrigerated since collection this fall (2025) so the stratification has begun. Upon arrival we recommend either fall planting or otherwise continuing stratification. 

Once stratified, black cherry seeds can be sown in spring about ¼–½ inch deep in well-drained soil. Protect the newly emerging seedlings from rodents and heavy weed competition, as they are vigorous but sensitive during early growth. With adequate sun and drainage, black cherry establishes quickly and can reach several feet of height in just a few years.