Prunus serotina
Black Cherry

Mature Height: 60-146'     Longevity: 250 years

2-6 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

3-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
2: Drought tolerance of "Mid." Most references exclude tree from very driest & very wettest of sites

6: No flood tolerance listed. Most references indicate dry to mesic woods or moist woods. No indication of presence along streams. Also listed as FACU.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z3. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ some presence in Z9 in FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS, but presence in Z9 of FL seems more pronounced.

7   Sun Strength

4   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.5 = Rapid
0 = Seral
+.2 = 3 Major
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 70'
+.1 = 146'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
3.7 =intolerant-intermediate
0 = Seral
+.2 = 3 Major
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 70'
0 = 250 years

TOTAL SCORE (7.0): 7 is consistent with ratings of comparable growth trees (i.e. red maple).

TOTAL SCORE (4.1): Wide range of tolerances listed in literature from very intolerant to some tolerance. Seedlings apparently can survive few years under canopy & respond well to release in gaps. 3 may be more appropriate but 4 still rating less than intermediate.

3   Fire Strength

1   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree) = 2-3
Tree is very susceptible to fire. Even when not killed by fire, wounds serve as vector to disease. However, some fire resistance is noted as tree ages & bark thickness increases. Will assign low value for big tree.
Final Value = 3

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Frequent mention that tree is prone to windthrow & storm damage as it readily overtops surrounding vegetation. Roots also shallow & do not provide good support.
Final Value = 1