Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, even, uniform texture. Occasionally exhibits curly or wavy figures and pitch pockets (gum streaks) which are small black streaks that occur naturally.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown, darkening significantly with age and light exposure to a deep mahogany color. Sapwood is creamy white to light yellowish.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, though it offers only moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (pianos and guitars), interior trim, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada), extending into parts of Mexico and Central America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree shown appears to be a maturing specimen, likely 20-40 years old based on the characteristic 'burnt cornflakes' bark texture and trunk diameter.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered a highly sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent. One of the best woods for machining; it planes, turns, and glues well. The only challenge is occasional burning when using high-speed router bits or dull blades due to high sugar/gum content.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet almond-like scent when being worked. Known for its 'chatoyancy' (shimmer) and the presence of small, dark gum spots that add character to the grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oils (Linseed or Tung) are popular to highlight the natural deepening of color, though many prefer a clear lacquer or polyurethane to protect the surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The 'burnt cornflake' scaly bark pattern on this standing tree is a classic, definitive field marker for mature Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).