Native to the eastern half of the United States, black cherry is a common tree in many areas. Fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by small purple fruit that is relished by wildlife are just two reasons to plant this tree.

While not a speciman tree, black cherry is suited to a naturalistic area or the perimiter of a suburban yard. With very few pests or diseases, it should be considered by butterfly gardeners if they have adequate space.

Importance as a caterpillar food source: Wild cherry trees provide many butterfly species with caterpillar food.

• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar eggs are laid individually on top of wild cherry leaves. Young caterpillars which resemble bird droppings may also be found on top of leaves.
• Red-spotted Purple caterpillar eggs are laid individually at the tips of red cherry leaves. Caterpillars eat the leaves on either side of the leaf midrib.
• Coral Hairstreak caterpillar eggs are laid on the trunk of the tree. The caterpillars feed at night on wild cherry flowers and fruit.

Importance as a butterfly nectar source: Black cherry is not used as a nectar source.

The current rating for black cherry is:

If you have experience black cherry, we would like your opinion. Let us know how it performed in your butterfly garden. Your comments will help other butterfly gardeners in your region to create better butterfly gardens: