American Cherry

The following information is posted with permission of Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) and is taken from their red booklets Timbers of the World. © TRADA

Prunus serotina Ehrh.     Family : Rosaceae

Other names
black cherry, cabinet cherry (USA)

Distribution
Occurs in the deciduous forest areas from Ontario to Florida and from the Dakotas to Texas, but only in small quantities or as scattered trees.

The tree
A medium-sized tree, 18m to 21m tall, with a diameter of 0.5m.

Timber
The timber is hard, with a fine, straight, close grain, the heartwood varying in colour from reddish-brown to rich red, the narrow sapwood being pinkish. Fine, narrow, brown-coloured pith flecks, and small gum pockets are a common feature of the wood, which weighs about 580 kg/m3 when dried.
It is moderately durable, works fairly easily. Turns well, and takes an excellent polish

Uses
Because of its beautiful grain and colour it is favoured for furniture and cabinet-making. But it is also used for pattern-making, tobacco pipes, musical instruments, interiors for boats and high-class joinery.