Escarpment Black Cherry

Prunus serotina var. eximia

“The limestone cliff cherry. Tough as the rock it grows on.”

A variety of the black cherry that evolved specifically for the Edwards Plateau — carved out by limestone cliffs, poor soils, and brutal summer heat. It makes actual cherries. The deer will try to eat it constantly; plan accordingly. Fall color ranges from gold to deep red. If you're in the Hill Country, this is the tree that belongs there, growing in conditions that would kill the standard form.