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wild cherry blossom
wild cherry blossom botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

wild cherry blossom

Prunus serotina
In the United States: Native · also called black cherry, wild black cherry

Black cherry trees supply abundant nectar and pollen to honeybees through their fragrant white flowers, which bloom in late spring shortly after leaf-out, offering critical early-season forage in temperate climates. Peak bee visitation occurs during mild weather over 2-3 weeks, supporting colony buildup without surplus honey production in most cases. As a fast-growing tree reaching 50-80 feet, it demands full to partial sun and well-drained soil; management includes pruning for shape, but note that leaves and twigs contain cyanogenic compounds toxic to livestock if heavily browsed.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) April–May
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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