Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight-grained and easy to work; occasionally features wavy or curly grain patterns. The texture is fine and uniform with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a light pinkish brown when freshly cut to a deep reddish brown with a golden luster as it ages. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It is highly light-sensitive and darkens significantly over time.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is rated as very durable and resistant to decay, though it is not particularly resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, turned objects, and musical instruments (particularly woodwinds).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada), extending into parts of Mexico and Guatemala.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Current market value for high-grade lumber ranges from $5.00 to $9.00 per board foot, depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the trunk diameter and bark texture, this living specimen is estimated to be between 15 and 25 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered a highly sustainable domestic hardwood.
Workability
Excellent; it is known for being one of the best woods for machining. It planes, turns, and carves well. The only challenge is potential burning when using high-speed routers or dull blades due to high gum content.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'burnt cornflake' or flaky bark on mature trees. The wood has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. Contains cyanogenic glycosides in leaves and twigs which can be toxic to livestock.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (like tung or linseed oil) which highlight its natural aging process. Clear lacquers and shellac are also excellent choices.
Identification Confidence
High; the identification is based on the characteristic 'burnt cornflake' bark texture visible on the trunk, the reddish-tinged inner bark visible in the scuffed area, and the leaf morphology visible in the background.