Species Guide
Cherry
The Basics
Species Overview
Cherry is a supreme hardwood species from the U.S. hardwood forests and is unique to North America, with warm color tones and superb finishing qualities.
The heartwood of cherry can vary from rich red to reddish brown and darkens on exposure to light with time. The sapwood is creamy white. Although the difference between heart and sap color is marked, this can be reduced by steaming. The wood of cherry has a fine uniform, straight and unpronounced grain with a fine smooth texture. The small brown pith flecks, pin knots and gum pockets or streaks are natural characteristics of cherry, but their occurrence varies according to region.
Scientific Name
Prunus serotina
Avg. Board Length
6’ – 14’
Common Thicknesses
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4
Also Known As
Cherry, Black Cherry
Avg. Board Width
4” – 10”
Avg. Dried Weight
2.9 lbs/bdft
Where It Comes From
Growth Distribution
Cherry trees grow principally in the northeast of the United States in mixed hardwood forests. The species is different from the many floral cherries planted throughout the world. It is a single species; the trees growing tall and often in dense stands in several U.S. states, notably Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Cherry has a relatively short rotation, taking less time to mature than other hardwoods. Much of the current resource is the result of cherry’s ability to regenerate naturally after forest fires.
FIA data shows U.S. cherry growing stock is 423.6 million m3, 2.9% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American cherry is growing 10.3 million m3 per year while the harvest is 4.9 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing by 5.4 million m3 each year. U.S. cherry growth exceeds harvest in all the main producing states.
Cherry is readily available as veneer and sawn lumber in a range of grades and sizes, although limited as thicker material; 10/4” (63mm) & 12/4” (75mm).
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0-4K
4-8K
8-12K
12-16K
16-20K
20-24K
Volume of live trees on forest land, 1000 m³
Uses
Common Applications
This sustainably managed wood from natural forests of North America, with excellent environmental credentials, is revered worldwide for its warmth of color and fine finish. It is highly suitable for furniture, cabinet making and high class joinery. It is widely used for doors, panelling, architectural interior joinery, mouldings and kitchen cabinets, and some flooring. It is also used in certain specialist applications such as musical instruments and boat interiors.
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Cabinets
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Mouldings
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Musical Instruments
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Panelling
