Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, uniform, satiny texture; moderate natural luster. Occasional wavy grain or small pitch pockets (gum spots) are typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown, darkening substantially with light exposure. The sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellowish-tan. This sample shows a clear transition between heart and sapwood with light oxidation.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, woodturning, musical instruments (especially piano parts), and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock, likely less than 1-2 years old based on the lightness of the heartwood which has not yet achieved its deep signature patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, though it can burn easily if router bits or saw blades are dull or if feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; known for its photo-reactive properties (darkening over time); contains small black gum streaks which are a natural characteristic and not a defect.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are excellent for highlighting chatoyance; clear lacquer or shellac preserve the color change. Avoid heavy stains that obscure the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific salmon-pink heartwood, cream sapwood, subtle cathedral grain, and presence of characteristic pitch pockets is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.