Black Cherry, Cabinet Cherry (USA)

Occurs in the deciduous forest areas from Ontario to Florida and from the Dakotas to Texas, but only in small quantities or as scattered trees.

A medium-sized tree, 18m-21m tall, with a diameter of 0.5m.

The timber is hard, with a fine, straight, close grain, with the heartwood varying in colour from reddish-brown to rich red, and the narrow sapwood being pinkish. Fine, narrow, brown coloured pith flakes, and small gum pockets are a common feature of the wood, which weighs about 580 kg/m3 when dried. It is moderately durable; works fairly easily, turns well, and takes an excellent polish.

Because of its beautiful grain and colour, it is favoured for furniture and cabinet making, but it is also used for pattern making, tobacco pipes, musical instruments, interiors for boats and high glass joinery.