Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Rosaceae
How it looks
Black Cherry is a deciduous tree with toothed, glossy, oval leaves and small white flowers that bloom in spring in long drooping clusters of about 4-6 in (10-15 cm). In summer and fall it bears small round black fruits in clusters. It reaches about 33-82 ft (10-25 m) tall.
Caution — wilting branches are the most toxic
The stems, leaves, and seeds of Black Cherry contain cyanide, and a broken branch is at its most toxic while it wilts. If swallowed it can turn the mucous membranes brick red, dilate the pupils, and bring on difficulty breathing or shock.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Shock
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
Black Cherry is a tree you meet along a walking path or at the edge of a park rather than in a pot. The parts ASPCA names are the stems, leaves, and seeds, so twigs and leaves brought down by the wind are the realistic route of exposure.
Branches left to wilt after breaking are the bigger worry, since the tree grows more toxic as it wilts. If one grows in your yard, clear the prunings off your cat's usual route first.
If you suspect your cat has eaten some, look at the gums and the inside of the eyelids. Brick red colour, dilated pupils, or laboured breathing mean you should call your vet right away.
Details
- Scientific name
- Prunus serotina
- Common name
- Black Cherry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Stems, Leaves, Seeds
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Rosaceae
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