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 — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds, leaves, and bark of Black Cherry contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Black Cherry rarely leads to serious trouble, but its cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Prunus serotina
- Common name
- Black Cherry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Leaves, Bark
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Rosaceae
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