Prunus (serotina)

Randall Lester Assistant Manager USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center P.O. Box 390 Alderson, West Virginia 24910 304-445-3005 304-445-7049 (fax) randall.lester@wv.usda.gov http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/wvpmc

---

Family Scientific Name:	Rosaceae
Family Common Name:	Rose family
Scientific Name:	Prunus serotina
Common Name:	Black cherry
Species Code:	PRSE2
Ecotype:	Monongahela National Forest
General Distribution:	Widely distributed throughout the eastern 1/2 of the US.
Known Invasiveness:	Not known to be invasive in the US.
Propagation Goal:	plants
Propagation Method:	seed
ProductType:	Bareroot (field grown)
Stock Type:	1+0
Time To Grow:	2 Years
Target Specifications:	A well developed plant suitable for transplanting by hand with at least 12" top growth and a healthy root system.
Propagule Collection:	Mature fruit are harvested from existing healthy stands of black cherry within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest.
Propagule Processing:	Fruit was harvested, placed in a container and allowed to ferment to facilitate the seed cleaning process. The fruit was rubbed on a screen with holes just large enough for the seed to pass through. A water floatation method was used to separate the seed from the pulp. The viable seed sinks to the bottom while the pulp and unfilled seed float to the top.
Pre-Planting Treatments:	Seeds are direct sown in the fall to allow for natural cold stratification.
Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:	Area for planting of the seeds is roto-tilled to a depth of 4 - 6 inches in long strips.
Establishment Phase:	Seeds are hand sewn directly onto the tilled soil surface with an approximate rate of 30 seeds per square foot. Seeds are pressed into the soil by walking on them to ensure good seed to soil contact. They are then covered with a 1/2 - 1 inch layer of soil. A layer of clean straw is placed on top of the soil surface to reduce heaving in the winter. Screens are placed over the beds to prevent predation by rodents.
Length of Establishment Phase:	8 months
Active Growth Phase:	Germination begins in the spring after the cold stratification period. A radicle is produced first and then the shoot emerges.
Length of Active Growth Phase:	6 - 9 months
Hardening Phase:	No hardening phase is required because the seedlings are being produce in a natural setting and are still dormant when lifted.
Length of Hardening Phase:	N/A
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:	Seedlings are lifted in early spring prior to breaking dormancy. The tap roots are often very long and the seedlings may be difficult to remove from the soil. Seedlings are placed in barrels with the roots covered with moist sawdust. Seedling are stored in a cooler at 34 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to be shipped in early spring. Seedlings are bundled together for shipment with moist sphagnum placed around the root systems to prevent drying out.
Length of Storage:	1 - 4 weeks
Other Comments:	Care should be taken when selecting sites for outplanting of black cherry. The leaves, twigs, bark and seeds produce a cyanogenic glycoside which can be harmful or fatal to some livestock. The wilted leaves tend to have higher concentration of the toxin.
References:	Bonner, F.T. & R.P. Karrfalt, 2008. The Woody Plants Seed Manual. USDA Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook 727. USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 12 July 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Citation:

Lester, Randall; Vandevender, John. 2012. Propagation protocol for production of Bareroot (field grown) Prunus serotina plants 1+0; USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center Alderson, West Virginia. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/20). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.