Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform, satiny texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with visible gum streaks (pith flecks) and small knot clusters.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish-brown in this fresh state, which will darken to a rich deep reddish-brown with exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, architectural millwork, musical instruments (mostly woodwinds), and small specialty turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock, likely less than 1 year since surfacing based on the pale pinkish hue and lack of deep oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered highly sustainable with FSC certification options.
Workability
Excellent. It is known for being one of the best woods for machining, planing, and sanding. It glues and finishes well, though it can be prone to blotching when stained due to its fine pores.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked. Contains small black gum streaks which are a natural characteristic. It is highly prized for its dramatic darkening over time.
Finish Recommendations
Shellac or oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) are recommended to enhance the natural color deepening. A specialized gel stain or wood conditioner is suggested if staining to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of pinkish heartwood, fine grain texture, cathedral pattern, and specific black gum streaks is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.