Nature Park Plants

Classification:

Family: Rosaceae, rose family
Genus, species: Prunus serotina

Leaves:
Leaves are shiny dark green on top, often look glossy. Leaf edges are finely toothed. One or two small glands are located at base of leaf.

Bark:
Bark of older trees is dark brown, broken into small irregular blocks, looks like "burnt potato chips." Bark of younger trees is smooth, gray, distinctly marked with horizontal lenticels.

Flowers:
Flowers are small, fragrant, with white petals, arranged in hanging clusters.

Fruit:
Cherries are dark red, edible, but bitter.

More Information:

The genus name Prunus is from the Latin for "plum tree."  The species name serotina is from the Latin for "autumnal" or "late," referring to the late fruit production of the cherry tree.