Prunus serotina

Black Cherry

The black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a tree that originated in North America and has been introduced to many parts of the world because of its attractive autumn colours and fast growth rates. It reaches growth heights of up to 20 metres and is characterised by a pyramidal crown and glossy dark green leaves. In spring, the black cherry produces fragrant white flowers that grow in dense clusters and ripen into black cherries that are dispersed by birds. In its natural environment, Prunus serotina plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is adaptable to different soils and climates, although it prefers a certain amount of sunlight. In areas where it has been introduced, including Europe and Australia, late blossoming weeping cherry has spread invasively in some cases, as it grows quickly and spreads easily, both by seed and vegetatively through root suckers.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Prunus serotina exhibits rapid growth and a high reproductive rate. It also produces substances that inhibit the growth and germination of other plants in its environment. As a result, it can suppress native plant species and reduce biodiversity, especially in oak-pine forests, rough grassland and heathland communities.

Damage to health

Similar to the cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), the leaves, seeds and stems of Prunus serotina contain toxic cyanides, but to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, parts of the plant can also be dangerous for animals and humans if they are consumed in large quantities and the seeds are chewed.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Forestry

Prunus serotina has been planted in some regions for forestry purposes, for example to improve soil fertility due to its nutrient-rich litter or in the afforestation of heathland.

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the seeds of the black cherry and excrete them in their droppings in other places. This allows the seeds to be spread over greater distances.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The rose family (Rosaceae) comprises about 90 genera with about 3000 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Characteristic are their often five-petalled, radially symmetrical flowers and the diverse fruit forms, which range from aggregate fruits to rose hips. Many species are economically important as fruit, nut and ornamental plants, including apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and of course roses.

Climate change

Prunus serotina has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, altitude, spring temperature, road infrastructure and habitat type.

Positive effects

Prunus serotina has soil-improving properties and thrives well on sandy soils. Its wood can be used to make furniture or as firewood.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Prunus serotina where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.