Are black cherry trees poisonous?

Black cherry trees, also known as Prunus serotina, are a common sight across much of North America. With their dark bark, green leaves, and fruits that ripen to a deep purple-black in the summer, black cherry trees stand out in fields, forests, and yards. But despite their beauty, black cherry trees have developed a reputation for toxicity. So are black cherry trees actually poisonous?

The Short Answer

Yes, parts of the black cherry tree are poisonous and can be dangerous if ingested. The bark, leaves, and seeds contain a glycoside called amygdalin that converts to hydrogen cyanide, a poison, when ingested. The fleshy fruit around the seed is generally considered non-toxic when ripe.

Toxic Parts of Black Cherry Trees

While the ripe fruit around black cherry pits is edible for humans, other parts of the tree contain toxins that can be dangerous.

Seeds and Pits

The seed inside the black cherry fruit contains amygdalin like other parts of the plant. Accidentally swallowing a few cherry pits is not necessarily dangerous for an adult human, although larger quantities could cause illness. However, the pits can pose a significant risk for small children who might swallow them accidentally.

Leaves and Bark

The leaves and bark of black cherry trees also contain amygdalin. Eating the leaves or ingesting bark pieces could cause toxic symptoms. Livestock have been poisoned from chomping on wilted cherry leaves or eating bark off downed branches.

Branches and Twigs

Smaller stems and twigs also contain amygdalin. Pruning black cherry trees or collecting fallen branches for kindling means you could inadvertently chew on a toxic twig. It’s important to be careful when handling black cherry tree trimmings.

Toxicity to Livestock and Pets

The toxins in black cherry trees pose a significant risk to livestock and pets who may browse on the plants. Wilted cherry leaves seem to be particularly dangerous.

Cattle, Goats, and Sheep

Cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock have died from ingesting black cherry leaves, twigs, and bark. Grazing animals like cows and goats are at high risk if they browse on wilted cherry leaves that fall into their pastures. Livestock should be kept away from black cherry trees.

Horses

Horses have also been poisoned by black cherry. Horse owners need to take precautions including removing or fencing off any black cherry trees in or around their pastures and exercise areas.

Pets

Dogs have been poisoned from chewing on black cherry wood or eating fallen leaves and seeds. Cats may also be at risk if they ingest plant parts. Keeping pets away from black cherry trees can help prevent accidental poisoning.

Toxicity Mechanism

The chemical amygdalin present in black cherry trees and fruit seeds is broken down by digestive enzymes into hydrogen cyanide, which is highly toxic. Cyanide poisoning prevents cells from using oxygen properly, leading to tissue damage and potentially death.

Cyanide Poisoning

When ingested, amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide is a fast acting poison that prevents cells from using oxygen normally. This quickly leads to cell death and organ damage. High enough doses of cyanide poisoning from black cherry ingestion can cause respiratory failure and death.

Dose Determines Danger

The level of toxicity depends on the dose of plant material ingested. Eating a few cherry pits may cause mild stomach upset in humans but is unlikely to be severely toxic. However, ingesting a larger quantity of seeds or plant parts can be very dangerous and potentially fatal depending on the amount.

Toxicity Symptoms

Eating parts of a black cherry tree like the leaves, bark, or seeds can cause distressing symptoms from cyanide poisoning.

Livestock Poisoning Signs

In livestock, signs of black cherry poisoning include:

  • Excessive salivation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Symptoms can onset rapidly, sometimes within an hour of ingestion. Death can occur quickly in severe cases.

Pet Poisoning Symptoms

Pets poisoned by black cherry may show these signs:

  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Coma
  • Death

Black cherry poisoning can be rapidly fatal in pets without treatment.

Human Poisoning Signs

In humans, mild to severe cyanide poisoning symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Potentially fatal respiratory failure

The onset of symptoms depends on the dose ingested but can begin within minutes to hours. Seek immediate emergency medical care for suspicion of black cherry poisoning.

Diagnosing Black Cherry Poisoning

Diagnosing black cherry tree poisoning requires considering exposure history along with symptoms and laboratory tests.

Exposure History

Veterinarians or medical professionals will ask about potential access to black cherry plant parts. Details are important, such as whether wilted leaves were in an animal enclosure or observations of a person eating cherry seeds.

Presenting Signs

Symptoms like excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, seizures, respiratory distress, or collapse provide clues to possible toxicity.

Lab Tests

Veterinary or medical exams may reveal low oxygen levels and metabolic acidosis. Testing blood, urine, or gastric contents can detect cyanide or amygdalin breakdown products confirming black cherry poisoning.

Treatment for Black Cherry Poisoning

Prompt treatment is vital for black cherry tree poisoning.

Supportive Veterinary Care

For pet or livestock poisoning, vets start with decontamination if ingestion was recent. This may involve inducing vomiting or flushing the stomach. Supportive care including IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, anti-seizure medication, and other therapies can help manage effects.

Antidotes

Antidotes to counteract the cyanide are an important treatment. Options may include sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, hydroxocobalamin, or dicobalt edetate. These help neutralize cyanide or facilitate its removal from the body.

Medical Treatment

Treatment for human black cherry poisoning also starts with decontamination if ingestion just occurred. Activated charcoal may be used to absorb remaining toxins in the digestive tract. Supportive medical care includes IV fluids and oxygen. The CDC recommends antidotes such as hydroxocobalamin as first line cyanide poisoning treatment.

Recovery Outlook

With prompt veterinary or medical treatment, the outlook can be good for black cherry poisoning. However, severe toxin exposure may still lead to death in some cases. Long-term impacts are possible depending on extent of exposure.

Preventing Black Cherry Poisoning

Since black cherry tree poisoning can be dangerous, taking preventive steps is recommended.

Livestock Precautions

To prevent livestock poisoning:

  • Remove black cherry trees from grazing areas
  • Fence off existing cherry trees to block access
  • Avoid grazing animals under black cherry trees
  • Prune lower branches to prevent browsing
  • Clear fallen leaves frequently
  • Monitor animals closely after pruning or storms

Pet Safety Measures

To protect pets:

  • Keep dogs and cats away from black cherry trees
  • Supervise outside time near cherry trees
  • Remove fallen branches, leaves, and fruit
  • Avoid using cherry wood mulch where pets play

Human Precautions

To prevent accidental poisoning:

  • Closely supervise small children near black cherry trees
  • Remove fallen plant debris frequently
  • Prune trees responsibly wearing gloves and long sleeves
  • Never chew on cherry seeds, leaves, stems, or bark

Key Takeaways

In summary:

  • Black cherry tree parts like leaves, bark, stems, and seeds contain amygdalin, which breaks down into toxic hydrogen cyanide if ingested
  • Livestock, pets, and humans have been poisoned by black cherry plant materials
  • Toxicity symptoms reflect cyanide poisoning and can be rapidly fatal without prompt treatment
  • Preventive measures involve keeping animals away from black cherry trees and supervising children around them
  • While parts of the black cherry tree are poisonous, the risks can be managed with proper precautions

The Bottom Line

Black cherry trees are beautiful sights in the landscape, but their leaves, bark, stems, and seeds contain toxic compounds called glycosides. These release hydrogen cyanide if ingested, which can poison livestock, pets, and people. By taking some basic precautions and being aware of potential toxicity, the risks can be avoided. While parts of black cherry trees are poisonous, they can still be appreciated and safely maintained with the right knowledge.

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