Cherry

Cherry

Prunus Serotina

Cherry trees belong to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae, a large family of flowering plants that also includes plums, apricots, almonds, and peaches.

Black Cherry: Prunus serotina
Wild Cherry/European Cherry: Prunus avium

Cherry wood has rich color, fine texture, and durability which make it a preferred choice for fine woodworking projects. that will only get better with age.

Janka Hardness

Black Cherry: 950 lbf
Wild Cherry/ European Cherry: 1,150 lbf

What is Janka hardness?

Color

Heartwood: Ranges from a rich, reddish-brown to darker brown with age. Black Cherry tends to darken with exposure to light.
Sapwood: Pale yellowish to light cream, offering a striking contrast to the heartwood.

Flexibility-Stability

Cherry wood is relatively easy to bend with steam, which makes it a good choice for projects requiring bent or curved elements, such as chairs, musical instruments, or architectural features. Its fine grain and uniform texture allow it to bend without splintering or cracking, provided it's treated carefully. Cherry wood is considered dimensionally stable once it is properly dried. It resists warping and shrinking under normal conditions.

Region

Black Cherry is native to eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico and Wild Cherry is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa (cultivated in temperate regions worldwide).

Tree Size

Reaches heights of up to 100 feet, about 80 feet average, with a tall trunk of about 24" in diameter.

Grain

Generally straight, but can occasionally have wavy patterns, which add visual interest. Fine and even texture, smooth to the touch, with a natural luster. Cherry wood is known for its ability to develop a deep, rich patina over time. It has moderate hardness, making it durable yet easy to work with.

Useability

Cherry is highly regarded for its ease of machining. It cuts cleanly, sands smoothly, and holds screws and nails well. It also glues easily and responds beautifully to stains and finishes, achieving a polished, elegant look. Cherry’s fine grain makes it a good choice for detailed carving and turning. Cherry is known for taking on a rich finish, darkening with age and exposure to light, making it ideal for high-end furniture.

Natural Darkening

Cherry wood undergoes a beautiful natural transformation as it ages. It starts with a light reddish-brown hue but darkens over time with exposure to light, developing a rich, deep patina that enhances its visual appeal.

Love & Purity

In Japan, cherry wood represents purity and abundance of love, as well as lifetime commitment. Because of this, cherry wood is so prevalent in Japanese weddings. Cherry wood represents commitment because the roots of cherry trees are deep and long, symbolizing deep-rooted love.

Good Intentions

In 1912, Japan gave 3,020 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. In 1965 the gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees, even after WWII and the events of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. This symbolic gesture reminds us to release past grievances and to move forward with good intentions.

Sustainable Lumber

In North America, black cherry trees (Prunus serotina), one of the primary sources of cherry wood, are sustainably grown and harvested, contributing to responsible forestry practices.

Prunus: Form and Function

  • The Prunus genus includes more than 430 species of deciduous trees and shrubs. Cherry trees are divided into two main categories:

    Sweet cherries (Prunus avium) – These are the cherries most commonly eaten fresh.
    Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) – These cherries are typically used in cooking, especially in pies and jams.

    Additionally, ornamental species like Japanese cherry trees (Prunus serrulata) are famous for their stunning blossoms, rather than for their fruit. All cherry species are classified as drupes, meaning they produce fleshy fruits with a single stone or pit in the center.

  • Cherry trees are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Prunus avium (sweet cherry) is believed to have originated in Western Asia and Europe, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) is native to Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia.

    Cherry trees thrive in temperate climates with well-drained, fertile soils. They require a significant amount of sunlight to produce abundant fruit. In the wild, cherry trees are often found in woodlands and forest edges. The cultivation of cherry trees has spread across the globe, with countries like Turkey, Iran, Spain, and the United States being major producers of cherries.

  • Cherry trees are economically important for both their fruit and wood.

    Cherries are widely consumed fresh or used in a variety of products, such as juices, jams, jellies, and baked goods. Sweet cherries are enjoyed raw, while sour cherries are commonly used in pies, preserves, and liqueurs like kirsch.

    Cherry wood is prized for its rich, reddish-brown color, smooth grain, and fine texture. It is used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and woodturning. Cherry wood’s ability to darken with age gives it a unique aesthetic appeal.

    In addition to these uses, ornamental cherry trees are planted for their beautiful spring blossoms. Cities such as Washington D.C. and Tokyo celebrate cherry blossom festivals, attracting tourists from around the world.

  • Cherry trees play a critical role in the ecosystems they inhabit. Their flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. Pollination is vital for fruit production, and in turn, cherry fruits become a food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other mammals. The seeds from the fruits are dispersed by animals, helping cherry trees spread in their natural habitat.

    Cherry trees also contribute to soil health through leaf litter, which returns essential nutrients to the ground. In natural settings, cherry trees are often part of a mixed forest ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity.

  • Cherry trees have deep cultural and symbolic importance, especially in East Asia. In Japan, cherry blossoms, or sakura, symbolize the transience of life, as the delicate flowers bloom for only a short period each year. The Hanami festival, where people gather to admire the blooming cherry trees, is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.

    In Western cultures, cherries symbolize fertility and abundance. The fruit’s association with romance and sensuality is reflected in popular sayings like "life is a bowl of cherries."

    In ancient mythology, cherries were often associated with gods and deities. Prunus avium (wild cherry) was sacred to Venus, the Roman goddess of love. The cherry’s beauty and fruitfulness continue to influence art, literature, and festivals worldwide.

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