Distribution: In
North America, Black cherry is reported to be distributed
in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Alabama,
Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Iowa,
Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland,
Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North
Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Illinois, Georgia,
North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,
New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin,
and West Virginia. It sometimes occurs in pure stands, and
can thrive, with the exception of very wet or very dry soils,
on many sites, including soil without much lime and good
drainage. As many as five varieties of Black cherry are reported
to be known.
General Characteristics: Black
cherry is reported to be the largest of all North American
cherries, attaining heights of about 100 feet (30 m) in
the favorable climate of the Appalachian. The average tree
is reported to be about 80 feet (24 m) in height, and produces
a tall trunk which is about 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter.
Cherry trees are reported to be large enough to harvest
after 35 to 40 years, with larger trees growing to full
heights in about 100 years. The trees are famous for their
wood, but they are also reported to be attractive, flowering
species. Cherry trees are reported to be easily attacked
by various organisms, including birds that eat the food
and harm the bark to mites, slugs and insects such as,
fruit flies. They are also susceptible to brown rot, root
rot, leaf spot, and blossom blight. The heartwood varies
in color from reddish brown to deep red, or light reddish
brown, usually with brown flecks and some gum pockets.
Some flooring manufacturers are reported to steam Black
cherry lumber to bleed the darker heartwood into the sapwood
for a more uniform color. Color variations between boards
are reported to be rather significant. The narrow sapwood
is whitish to reddish brown in color. The wood has also
been described as creamy pink. Texture is fine and uniform,
and the wood often has narrow brown pith flecks and small
gum pockets; The grain is reported to be fine, but material
with dark wavy streaks which are described as striking
in appearance are frequently found. Quartersawn pieces
are reported to be very beautiful. Cherry is reported to
have a strong resemblance to true Mahogany, and is often
called New England mahogany; Luster has been described
as rich and satiny. The wood has no characteristic odor
or taste.
Light & Air-Induced Changes: Black cherry is reported
to be very sensitive to UV light, and changes to its characteristic
reddish-brown, mahogany shade upon exposure. The use of
UV light inhibitors in coatings has been suggested to prevent
the color change. Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.54; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: The
wood exerts moderate blunting effect on cutting edges.
Black cherry is reported to saw cleanly. The wood is reported
to have excellent planing qualities and works to produce
smooth, clean surfaces. Stock with cross grain may be fairly
difficult to plane, and requires reduced cutting angles
of 20 degrees for best results. The wood can be turned
easily, and Black cherry has been described as an important
timber for turnery purposes. The timber is reported to
bore cleanly to yield holes with smooth surfaces little
variation in hole size. Black cherry is reported to respond
well to moulding. The wood is reported to have excellent
mortising properties. The wood glues very well. Nailing
qualities are reported to be good. Screw-holding properties
are reported to be good. The wood has good polishing characteristics. The
material is reported to take stains and all types of finishes
very well. Finished Cherry wood is very handsome because
of its rich luster and reddish brown color which turns
richer and darker with age. Addition of ultra-violet light
inhibitors has been suggested to prevent color change.
The timber has good steam bending properties. It has been
compared to Beech and Ash in steam bending properties.
Durability: Heartwood is
reported to be very resistant to decay, but the sapwood
is vulnerable to attack by the furniture beetle. Natural
resistance to decay is reported to be of little concern
because of the typical uses of the wood.
Preservation: The heartwood
is moderately resistant to preservative treatment.
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