Wood Information
Black Cherry;   Prunus serotina,  Family: Rosaceae

Prunus is a genus of 120 to 400 species that contain fruitwoods like cherry, plum and almond. The
species are native to North America, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean region. All species look
alike microscopically. The word prunus is the classical Latin name for the cherry tree.
Prunus serotina-American cherry, black wild cherry, cabinet cherry, chisos wild cherry, Edwards
Plateau cherry, escarpment cherry, gila chokecherry, mountain black cherry, rum cherry, southwest
choke cherry, southwestern chokecherry, wild black cherry, wild cherry, whisky cherry
Distribution: Cherry is found in the eastern half of the United States, from the plains to the Atlantic
Ocean and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. It also occurs in high elevations in Mexico.
The Tree: The tree reaches a height of 100 ft (30 m), with a diameter of 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m). It is
shrubby under poor growth conditions and at the northern limit of its range. It does best on the rich,
moist soil of the Appalachians.
The Wood: The sapwood is light yellow, while the heartwood is brownish with a greenish tinge,
darkening upon exposure to a deep reddish brown with a golden luster. The wood has a mild,
aromatic scent, but no characteristic taste. It is of medium density, firm, and strong, with a fine,
uniform texture. The grain is generally straight.
Uses: Fine furniture, printing and engraving blocks, patterns, professional and scientific instruments,
piano actions, handles, wooden ware, toys, and specialty items.
Harding Pens and Woodturnings