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, the heartwood varying in colour from reddish-brown to rich red, the narrow sapwood being pinkish. Fine, narrow, brown colored pith flakes, and small gum pockets are a common feature of the wood, which weighs about 580kg/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 favored for furniture and cabinet making, but it is also used for pattern making, tobacco pipes, musical instruments, interiors for boats and high glass joinery.