WILD CHERRY BARK

 

PLANT—
Medium to tall woodland tree

Dark, scaly bark breaking into plates with age
Leaves alternate, finely toothed, glossy above
Small white flowers in hanging clusters

Stone fruit small, darkening deep red to almost black

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SEASON—

Bark gathered late, once sap had slowed
Kept through winter after drying

 

ARCHIVE—​

American Dispensatory, mid-19th century

“The bark of the wild cherry should be taken from the smaller branches, and carefully dried. If long kept, it becomes nearly inert, and should then be rejected.”

 

CORRESPONDENCES—

Bark
Winter keeping
Measured use

 

NAMES—

Wild Cherry
Black Cherry
Wild Cherry Bark

 

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