The American cherry(Prunus serotina) is known as the black cherry in its native country and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is widespread across the eastern and midwestern United States and is commonly found there. Pennsylvania is a well-known state for this species. It is related to the European cherry(Prunus avium).
The heartwood is light yellowish brown, often with a matt sheen, later darkening to reddish brown. The structure is comparable to the European cherry tree: clearly separated growth rings, to the sapwood, growth-related color deviations common, but overall more stable from Euro cherry. Characteristic of American cherries: Gum veins and “gum pockets”, which later become recognizable by dark stripes in the wood. Overall fine-pored, straight grain, decorative, seldom framed.
The specific weight is given as 0.65 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. Drying is unproblematic. Easy to work with all tools, smooth surfaces are produced. The Brinell hardness is approx. 28-30 and is therefore lower than that of oak. The weather resistance is low.
Furniture making, parquet flooring, turnery, rarely musical instrument making.
Europ. Cherry, partly plum and plum woods.
| Sources: |
Wood information service leaflet series GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers WAGENFÜHR (1996) Wood atlas |
