Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture; features cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and visible small gum pockets (pitch pockets) typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. High natural luster and potential for chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to very durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; the light pinkish hue suggests minimal UV exposure and oxidation, likely less than 1 year since surfacing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably through FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools; planes and glues well. Main challenge is a tendency to burn during routing or high-speed machining if blades are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; contains small dark gum streaks or mineral pockets; heartwood darkens significantly over time (patina).
Finish Recommendations
Truly shines with clear oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or shellac to highlight color change; blotching can occur with stains, so a sanding sealer or gel stain is recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the salmon-pink heartwood, cream sapwood, fine grain texture, and characteristic small dark gum pockets is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.