10 Black Cherry Tree Seeds | Prunus serotina Hardy Fruit Tree Seeds

The Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is a hardy North American native valued for its graceful form, fragrant spring blossoms, and small dark fruits that attract birds and wildlife. Also known as wild black cherry or rum cherry, this deciduous tree offers year-round interest with white flower clusters in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, and colorful fall foliage before winter dormancy.

Black Cherry is a versatile choice for native plant gardens, wildlife habitats, woodland edges, and naturalized landscapes. Its small, tart cherries are traditionally used in jams, jellies, and syrups, while the tree itself provides food and cover for pollinators and songbirds. With proper care, these seeds can grow into a long-lived, stately shade tree.

Plant Features

• Native North American deciduous tree with fragrant white spring flowers
• Produces small dark cherries that attract birds and wildlife
• Glossy green foliage turns yellow and orange in autumn
• Hardy and adaptable to a range of soil conditions
• Provides food and cover for pollinators and songbirds

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Prunus serotina
• Plant Type: Deciduous tree
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading canopy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 50-80 feet
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended
• Spacing: 20-30 feet apart

Planting & Care

Black Cherry seeds benefit from cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil, and keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a period of cold, moist conditions—either outdoors through winter or in a refrigerator—before germination. Once seedlings emerge, give them bright light and gradually acclimate them before transplanting outdoors.

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil for transplanting. Water young trees regularly during the first growing season to help them establish a strong root system. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk. Prune only as needed to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches.

What's Included

This listing includes 10 Black Cherry Tree seeds (Prunus serotina).