Family Name: Rosaceae
Botanical Name(s): Prunus Serotina
Popular Name(s): Wild Cherry Bark, Virginia Prune Bark
Parts Used: Dried bark.
Habitat: Although native to North America, wild cherry trees now
grow in many other countries.
Description: This tree grows from 50 to 80 feet high, and 2 to 4
feet in diameter. The bark is black and rough and separates naturally
from the trunk. Leaves deciduous, 3 to 5 inches long, about 2 inches
wide, on petioles which have two pairs of reddish glands.
Uses: Wild Cherry Bark is used mainly in the treatment of
irritating coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. It is used with other
herbs in the control of asthma. This herb may also be used as a bitter
where digestion is sluggish. The cold infusion of the bark may be
helpful as a wash in cases of inflammation of the eyes.
