Welcome back to our Pennsylvania Tree Series, where we celebrate the native hardwoods that shape the heart and soul of Piney Hollow Wood Craft. This week, we’re shining a light on a tree that’s as rugged as the Appalachians and as smooth as a hand-finished plaque—Black Cherry.
🌳 Meet the Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Black cherry is the largest native cherry species in North America—and one of Pennsylvania’s most prized hardwoods. While its fruit feeds songbirds and wildlife, the real magic is in its reddish-brown heartwood, which deepens with age and brings a rich warmth to any woodworking project.
Fast Facts:
Grows 50–100 ft tall
Found throughout the eastern U.S., especially abundant in Pennsylvania
Fruit appears in late summer; leaves turn yellow in fall
🪵 Why We Love Working With Black Cherry
At Piney Hollow, we often say cherry wood is the “gentleman’s hardwood.” It’s elegant, refined, and smooth under the chisel. But don’t let its beauty fool you—this stuff is tough enough for heirloom-quality work.
Benefits of Black Cherry for Woodworking
-Smooth grain: Sands like butter and machines with ease
-Deepens with age: Starts pinkish, turns to a warm reddish-brown over time
-Minimal movement: Stable and reliable—great for plaques and detailed CNC work
-Naturally resistant: Has mild antibacterial properties and resists rot
Whether we’re making a turkey tail mount or a commemorative plaque, cherry brings a classic Americana feel that stands the test of time.
🌿 Sustainability at the Core
Like all the wood we use at Piney Hollow, our black cherry is sustainably sourced—often from tree services that remove already-fallen or hazardous trees. We’re not just building products—we’re giving these native trees a second life.
When you choose black cherry, you’re honoring both craft and conservation.
✨ Finished in Pure Tung Oil—Nature’s Final Touch
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Every black cherry product we make is hand-finished with 100% pure tung oil—a natural, plant-based finish.
Why we love it:
-Non-toxic and food-safe
-Enhances cherry’s warm glow
-Water-resistant and long-lasting
-Free of harmful solvents
We don’t just build with nature. We finish with it, too.
🦋 Ecological Application
Black cherry plays a fascinating role in our local ecosystems. This tree is a moth magnet, serving as a host to over 200 species of moth and butterfly larvae. These insects, in turn, support birds and contribute to pollination—helping to sustain a thriving forest.
Though unassuming, the black cherry is a keystone species in the great cycle of life.
đź“– History & Legends
In many parts of North America, black cherry is deeply rooted in indigenous culture and folklore, often symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. It’s been a part of seasonal celebrations and storytelling for generations—proving it’s much more than just a fruit-bearing tree.
đź“ť Name Story
The name “Black Cherry” blends Latin and physical traits.
-Prunus = cherry
-Serotina = “late” or “tardy” (a nod to its ripening)
The name also reflects its dark bark, which gives mature trees a dramatic, easily recognizable appearance in the forest.
 Where You’ll See It in Our Shop
We use black cherry for:
-Trophy plaques (especially our Triple Trophy Award)
-Custom name signs and CNC carvings
-Decorative mounts for whitetail, bear, and turkey
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