In the North American cherry species, the black cherry is the largest and can be found all over the state of Pennsylvania. It is distinguished as one of the best hardwoods in the state. High priced lumber comes from these tall, straight trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall. Average black cherry trees range between 60 to 75 feet tall. This tree grows best in moist soil. The leaves have pointed ends. In spring to early summer, white flowers bloom on the tree, which attracts many species of bees. Later in the season, the flowers turn into cherries that have a bitter taste. Wild turkey and ruffed grouse eat the cherries that fall to the ground. Over 70 species of birds feed on the cherries. Cedwar waxwings and woodpeckers find a home in black cherry trees.
The leaf of a red maple tree.
NPS/Matt Switzer
Red Maple
(Acer rubrum)
Traces of red can be found in the leaves of the red maple all year round and it is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring. There is still a hint of red even in the summer when the leaves turn green. The trees range from 50-60 feet tall at their peak growth cycle at 70-80 years. The trunk diameter is one to two feet. Most commonly, red maple leaves have three lobes but there can be five. A newer tree has smooth grayish bark. As it matures the bark turns rough. Red maples thrive in a variety of soil types. Pennsylvania elk and deer eat the foliage.
Sites:Eastern Rivers and Mountains Inventory & Monitoring Network, Johnstown Flood National Memorial
The forests of Johnstown Flood National Memorial are critical park resources that perform many important functions. They create habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, maintain soil stability, and protect water quality. Besides providing a beautiful setting for people to recreate in, forests also influence our weather and reduce some gases that contribute to climate change. The Eastern Rivers & Mountains Network has been monitoring forest health here since 2007.
