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PIN (FIRE) CHERRY (Frunus pensylvanica)
BLACK CHERRY (Prunus serotina)
BITTER CHERRY (Prunus emarginata)
HOLLYLEAF CHERRY (Prunus ilicifolia)
Other names: cherry, wild cherry

VERY POOR TO GOOD

The pin cherry is found in the northern part of the country from Wyoming and Idaho to Maine. Black cherry is a tree of the Great Lakes region and eastern half of the country. It reaches tree size of 24" or more and an age of up to 300 years. The black cherry is logged for commercial lumber and veneer. Bitter cherry is the cherry of the Pacific Northwest. Hollyleaf cherry is a tree of southern California, with holly like leaves but is usually a shrub. The fruits of the black cherry and pin cherry are used to make jelly, wine and brandy. Of this group, only the black cherry is believed to be a good bearing tree.

There is no report of a recovered original cherry bearing tree. Cherry rots quickly once dead and on the ground. Except for the black cherry it is doubtful that any one has ever recovered an original cherry bearing tree. The trees are thin barked, with thick sapwood, easily injured by fire, and injuries decay quickly. 

If nothing else is available and cherry must be used bark scribe the tree. Do not snow blaze, and tag carefully. Paint the scribe marks. If blazing must be done use a "BT" blaze only.