Picture of Black Cherry Tree (immature)

[Stubbornhillfarm]

I was wondering if any of you have a picture of an immature Black Cherry Tree? (sapling) We have been told that they will kill a cow if eaten. We want to make sure that we don't have any on our property as the cows graze in a part that is wooded. I am having a tough time finding a picture on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't have any photos. I go by the bark about as much as the leaves.

Fresh, green, growing black cherry trees are not the problem. The problem comes in when trees get cut or limbs get broken off. When the black cherry leaves wilt, the poison in them gets concentrated enough that if can kill cows or horses. Everything is fine until, say, a windstorm knocks a limb off a tree. Then you have dead cows.

Whoever warned you about them was correct to do so.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Thanks Ridgrunner, I just wish I knew if we had them or not. I will keep searching and see if I come up with some pictures. I am glad they told us just in case. Thanks for confirmation!

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

if you are ever curious if it could be a cherry tree just take a leaf and crush it, or take a branch and cut it. if either smell like a cherry it is usually a cherry tree or relative. also, be careful with wilted maple leaves, they can have the same effect on a horse! i don't have horses or cows but i remember this from my animal science classes in HS!

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Chickie'sMomaInNH - thanks for the info. I did finanlly find a picture on line yesterday. Not what I would have expected a Black Cherry tree to look like. But lo and behold...we did have some in the wooded area that our cows graze in. So we cut them down and got rid of the leaves. We will have to monitor every now and again to make sure they are not growing back. Had not ever heard about the wilted Maple leaves. Wow! So much to learn!