As long as it has a sunny spot, the black cherry tree (Prunus serotina) can grow in any soil, whether gravelly or moist. Its graceful spring bloom, softly fragrant and white, contrasts beautifully with its dark, scaly bark, which has earned it the name black cherry. This tall native tree, with a narrow crown that provides little shade, is of great value to wildlife and produces one of the finest woods in Quebec’s forests, tinged with pink. Highly sought after by cabinetmakers, it is also easy to work with. Capable of living for 150 years, it doesn’t tolerate urban conditions well, but can withstand road salts.

The small cherries of the black cherry tree, transitioning from green to rosy orange, then red, and finally black, offer a desirable flavor when transformed into jelly or soaked in spirits like kirsch, with their astringent bitterness. The fruit quality varies: some trees will yield sweeter fruit, while others are more bitter, astringent, or juicier. In autumn, its foliage takes on hues ranging from yellow to red.