The leaves are elliptical in shape, finely toothed and have a leathery texture. The fruit consists of many small cherries borne on a small pendulous stem in a grape-like cluster. Green at first, the cherries turn red and then, when fully ripe, they turn a blue-black in late summer. This is the period when quail, turkey, ruffed grouse and songbirds supplement their diets with the bitter, but edible, fruit. The twigs, leaves, and bark of this tree contain a prussic acid wich can cause cattle to bloat and die.
Wilted leaves are usually responsible for livestock poisoning.
In Missouri, the demand for quality black cherry ranks second only to black walnut. Veneer, furniture and lumber is made from this tree. With a rich red color, the wood is easy to machine and holds its shape well. Smaller branches, not large enough for lumber manufacture, can be used for wood turning or fuel since it produces a bright hot fire. Because of its durability it has long been used to back engraving plates for fine printing.