Black Cherry
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained, fine and uniform texture. End grain shows semi-ring-porous structure with small to medium pores and visible growth rings.
Color Description
Freshly cut heartwood is light pinkish-brown, darkening to a medium reddish-brown with time and UV exposure. Sapwood is narrow and pale yellowish-white. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, tool handles, musical instruments (especially woodwinds), and smoking chips for food.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada), also found in parts of Mexico and Central America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grade (Select/FAS).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth ring count in the cross-section, this specific log appears to be approximately 15-20 years old. The wood is freshly cut with no oxidative patina or weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It machines, planes, and sands very smoothly, though it can occasionally burn if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent when cut. Known for containing high amounts of tannins which cause the dramatic darkening (aging) over time. Can produce gummy deposits or 'pitch pockets' which are common in the species.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes extremely well. Oil-based finishes (like Linseed or Tung oil) are highly recommended to enhance its natural chatoyance and color depth as it ages.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive burnt-potato-chip textured bark, the reddish-tinged heartwood, and the semi-ring-porous end grain structure is diagnostic for Prunus serotina.