Life Span of a Mature Wild Cherry Tree

A wild cherry tree blossoms.

As its name implies, the wild cherry tree, also known as black cherry, grows wild in forests. Wild cherry trees tend to live longer than other varieties of cherry sequestered in urban environments.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a black cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is 100 years, with a maximum lifespan of 250 years, according to the Virginia Tech University College of Natural Resources and Environment. A deciduous tree of the Rose family Rosaceae, the black cherry thrives in open fields and previously harvested areas.

Maturity

Native to eastern and Midwestern North America, the black cherry is a prolific producer of fruit and distributor of seeds, which help it to propagate quickly in the wild. It reaches a mature height of 30 feet. The accompanying canopy spread stretches to 60 feet, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Growth Rate

The mature wild cherry tree possesses a medium growth rate, which, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, denotes a tree that grows between 13 and 24 inches annually. It appreciates full to partial sun and enjoys deep, rich, moist and well-drained soil. Its lifespan can be hampered by insects and diseases such as borers and trunk canker.

References

• Virginia Tech University College of Natural Resources and Environment: Virginia Big Tree Program
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Black Cherry