Prunus serotina has the largest range of native cherries in the US. It ranges from southeastern Canada to Mexico, with numerous sub species within this range. Black cherry attains its best form and quality in northern PA and southern NY. In the lumber industry Northern PA is known for its veneer quality black cherry. Black cherry lumber from PA and NY will bring more money per MBF than in the Appalachian area. Unfortunately, black cherry lumber and veneer has fallen out of favor in the finished lumber market. New home builds are using far less black cherry for cabinets, bedroom furniture and flooring.

There are a few other species that are grouped with black cherry in the hardwood lumber industry. Such as sweet cherry (Prunus avium), to a lesser extent fire cherry (Prunus pensylvanica). Sweet cherry is native to Japan and can be considered an invasive species in some area. In the Appalachian area it can be mixed with black cherry logs for lumber production. Fire cherry is a small, short-lived species. Rarely attaining commercial size for lumber. You can find this species along road cuts or other disturbed sites. Fire cherry seeds like the fresh soil and full sunlight. One thing these species have in common is they are toxic. All parts of the tree, expect the fruit, contain cyanide forming chemicals, leaves, bark, seed, wood, etc. Care should be taken to keep livestock from browsing on brush and debris from downed trees.