Cherry
Prunus serotina

Cherry’s heartwood appears in shades of brown with strong or light hints of red, and the sapwood is cream colored. The wood has a fine, uniform, straight grain and a satiny, smooth texture. It may contain naturally occurring brown flecks and small gum pockets. Cherry has long been considered the gold standard for fine furniture, wood doors and millwork.

History: Historically, the cherry tree has been heralded for fruit and home furnishings, but it is also used for medicinal purposes such as the production of drugs that treat bronchitis from the bark and creation of tonics from cherry stalks. Printmakers have also created their engraving blocks with cherry.

Current uses: Furniture, paneling, flooring and millwork, kitchen cabinets, moldings, doors and musical instruments.

Characteristics: Only a small percentage of all cherry logs qualify for standard cherry and contain only a small amount of gum streaks and pin knots. Both red heartwood and white sapwood colors will darken with age.