Prunus serotina

Seedlings, saplings, and small trees are very common in a wide range of wet to dry forests and woodlands throughout; canopy trees are most abundant (often dominant or co-dominant) in fencerows and old field successional forests, maritime dune scrub, maritime woodlands and forests, and northern hardwood forests. Common throughout.

Wildlife Value: This plant provides nectar for pollinators and is a larval host plant for several species of butterflies. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, white-tailed deer and small mammals

Purple-black cherries in drooping clusters that ripen in late summer. Bitter-tasting off the tree. The fruits contain cyanogenic compounds, but the cyanide is not liberated until acted upon by digestive enzymes. Cedar Waxwings can digest the fruits without releasing the cyanide, but humans are advised not to consume the fruits.

Poisonous to Humans
Poison Severity: Medium
Poison Symptoms: All parts are potentially toxic. If ingested, it is likely to cause death in livestock and pets. Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.