The Hazards of Wild Cherry Trees

Wild cherry trees or black cherry trees are deciduous and reach heights of 50 to 80 feet. Early spring flowers bloom on the wild cherry tree and small, juicy berries appear in the summer attracting birds of all types. There are some hazards associated with the wild cherry tree because it is poisonous to livestock.

Livestock that ingest parts of the wild cherry tree, often suffer from prussic acid poisoning. Consuming plants that contain cyanide-yielding compounds causes this condition. According to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension the wild cherry tree and plants in the sorghum family have the potential to cause prussic acid poisoning. Prussic acid poisoning may produce symptoms if small amounts of the wild cherry tree leaves are consumed. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, staggering and foaming at the mouth. Cattle may not have any symptoms before death if large amounts of the wild cherry tree are consumed. Avoid prussic acid poisoning by keeping cattle and other livestock away from the wild cherry tree and check for fallen cherry tree limbs after foul weather.

Wild cherry trees are hosts to the Eastern tent caterpillar or ETC. This pest will not cause the tree to die, but will stunt its growth. The Eastern tent caterpillar has been linked to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome or MRLS in horses. According to Equine Disease Quarterly, ingestion of the ETC by pregnant mares has been the suspected cause of abortions in mares. Many farms have chosen to eliminate wild cherry trees and black cherry trees to avoid this scenario.

Stinging caterpillars are attracted to wild cherry trees. These pests possess sharp hairs that are similar to quills, which are connected to poison sacs. Stinging caterpillars produce symptoms such as mild itching, severe pain, intestinal disturbances and dermatitis in those it stings. The Saddle-back caterpillar is brown in color, with a green saddle in the middle of its body. Saddles have a purple colored spot directly in the middle and horns on the front and rear of its body. Severe irritation is caused by the sting of the Saddle-back caterpillar, which usually lives in the chestnut, cherry, oak, basswood and plum trees. A less venomous caterpillar than the Saddle-back, the Euclea delphinii caterpillar feeds on wild cherry, oak and beech trees, among others. This caterpillar is pale yellow to green and has dark patches of spines. Brushing against wild cherry leaves often results in being stung by these pests. Avoid brushing up against the wild cherry tree and its leaves. Spray wild cherry trees with insecticides to eliminate stinging caterpillars where they are hazardous to people.