Taxonomy

Prunus serotina | Rum Cherry

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not Assessed

Invasiveness

Invasive species - risk of Medium Impact

Irish status

Uncertain

Introduction pathways - 1

Escape from Confinement

Introduction pathways subclass - 1

Ornamental purpose

Invasive score

17

NAPRA Ireland risk assessed

No

Species Biology

Identification

Medium sized deciduous tree, lance shaped, shiny leaves 15-30cm long, can reach up to 35m in height, white flowers and black berries (Booy et al., 2015; Klotz,2009). May be confused with bird cherry (Prunus padus) which is native to parts of Ireland (Reynolds, 2002). There are some differences in the description of Booy et al. (2015)and Klotz (2009) which may be due to morphological differences between plants in Britain and the continent or simply differences in the descriptions.

Ecology

Can form dense thickets excluding native vegetation (Klotz, 2009) and reduces forest understorey richness (Verheyen et al., 2007). In Germany, dispersal and spread of black cherry may be facilitated by non-native fallow deer (Starfinger et al., 2003). Facilitates succession to woodland when invading bogs and grassland (Starfinger et al., 2003).

Habitat

Woodland, forest and other wooded land; Regularly or recently cultivated agricultural, horticultural or domestic habitat; Grasslands and landscapes dominated by forbs, mosses or lichens

Reproduction

Insect pollinated with zoochorous seed dispersal (dispersal of seeds by animals) allowing seeds to be dispersed up to 1km (Starfinger et al., 2003), seeds in the soil can remain viable for up to 5 years, display high germination rates and are dispersed by vertebrates (birds, foxes, other mammals), and can spread by lateral roots to form dense thickets (Klotz, 2009). Interestingly in its native range the soil community that develops in association with mature black cherry trees reduces seedling performance of conspecifics, preventing the formation of dense thickets, whereas in its introduced range the opposite appears to be the case (Reinhart et al., 2003).

Pathway and vector description

Common garden plant in Britain where it is present in the wild since 1853 (Preston et al., 2004), however does not appear to be sold in Ireland. Initially planted in Europe due to the high value of its timber (Starfinger et al., 2003).

Mechanism of impact

Competition

Broad environment

Terrestrial

Habitat description

Generally found in gardens and woodlands where it was planted, it can also invade abandoned fields, grasslands and forest clearings (Klotz, 2009).

Species group

Plant

Native region

North America

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Unknown

Native distribution

Native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia to south west Guatemala (Klotz, 2009).

Temporal change

Date of first record category

Unknown

Fifty year date category

Unknown

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.

How can you help

Report any sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Do not plant in the wild or in gardens where it may escape or seed into the wild.

Further information

Delivering Alien Invasive Species In Europe (DAISIE) project list this as one of the 100 Worst Invaders in Europe.

References

Publications

Reynolds, S.C.P. (2002) A catalogue of alien plants in Ireland. National Botanic Gardens. Glasnevin, Dublin. Preston, C.D., Pearman, D. A. & Dines, T. D. (2002). New atlas of the British and Irish flora. An atlas of the vascular plants of Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, Oxford University Press. Booy, O., Wade, M. & Roy, H. (2015) A Field Guide to Invasive Plants & Animals in Britain. Bloomsbury. Reinhart, K. O., Packer, A., Van der Putten, W. H., & Clay, K. (2003). Plant–soil biota interactions and spatial distribution of black cherry in its native and invasive ranges. Ecology Letters, 6(12), 1046-1050. Starfinger, U., Kowarik, I., Rode, M., & Schepker, H. (2003). From desirable ornamental plant to pest to accepted addition to the flora?–the perception of an alien tree species through the centuries. Biological Invasions, 5(4), 323-335.Verheyen, K., Vanhellemont, M., Stock, T., & Hermy, M. (2007). Predicting patterns of invasion by black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) in Flanders (Belgium) and its impact on the forest understorey community. Diversity and Distributions, 13(5), 487-497. Klotz, S (2009) Prunus serotina Ehrh., black cherry (Rosaceae, Magnoliophyta) In: Handbook of Alien Species in Europe, DAISIE. Springer.

DAISIE Factsheet

CABI Datasheet


Additional comments

The exact extent of this species ability to disperse and impact as an invader may be exaggerated (Starfinger et al., 2003). It was extensively planted in Germany for approximately 30 years following the second World War, and the rapid spread of the plant is likely due to large scale propagule pressure (the number of individuals of a non-native species released into an area) (Starfinger et al., 2003). There is disagreement on the exact level and mechanisms of impact of P. serotina on native vegetation and the effects may differ based on location and soil type (Klotz, 2009; Starfinger et al., 2003; Verheyen et al., 2007).