If you’ve ever strolled through a Virginia garden in September, you might notice a lively buzz overhead and cheerful chirps all around.
That’s the magic of the Black Cherry tree, a true superstar for both bees and birds. Its late-season fruits and lingering blooms make it a hotspot for nature lovers and wildlife alike.
I love watching the flurry of activity around it—it’s like the tree has its own little party going on!
1. Perfectly Timed Fruit Production
Black cherry trees hit their peak fruiting season right as Virginia’s summer heat begins to fade. The dark fruits ripen gradually, creating a steady food supply that lasts weeks.
Many Virginia birds rely on this dependable food source to fatten up before their long migrations south. The timing couldn’t be better for wildlife preparing for seasonal changes.
2. High Sugar Content Attracts Pollinators
The sweet nectar in black cherry blossoms contains up to 40% sugar – a powerful attractant for hungry bees emerging from summer doldrums. Virginia beekeepers often notice increased hive activity near these trees.
This natural energy drink helps bees stock up reserves before winter arrives. The relationship benefits both species in Virginia’s diverse ecosystem.
3. Abundant Fruit Production
A single mature black cherry tree can produce thousands of fruits in one season. This abundance creates a reliable buffet for Virginia’s wildlife when other food sources start diminishing.
Robins, cardinals, and finches feast alongside mammals like foxes and raccoons. The generous yield ensures that Virginia’s wildlife can share without dangerous competition.
4. Strategic Canopy Structure
Black cherry trees develop open, spreading branches that form perfect perching spots for birds. This architectural design allows Virginia’s avian residents to rest safely while monitoring the surroundings for predators.
The layered canopy creates ideal nesting locations too. Many Virginia bird species appreciate these natural apartments with built-in food service during September’s transitional weather.
5. Insect Attraction Creates Bird Buffets
The fruits don’t just feed birds directly – they attract insects too! As cherries ripen and some begin to ferment, they draw flies and beetles that become protein-rich snacks for insectivorous birds.
This double food source makes Virginia’s black cherry trees particularly valuable to wildlife. Warblers and other insect-eaters can feast alongside fruit-loving species in perfect harmony.
6. Night Feeding Opportunities
Unlike many fruit trees, black cherries remain accessible after dark. This nocturnal availability attracts Virginia’s flying squirrels, bats, and owls that prefer feeding under cover of darkness.
The 24-hour buffet maximizes the tree’s pollination and seed dispersal potential. Virginia’s night creatures play crucial roles in spreading black cherry seeds across the landscape during September’s longer nights.
7. Strategic Migration Refueling Stations
Black cherry trees often grow in clusters along Virginia’s ridgelines – exactly where migrating birds travel. These natural rest stops provide critical energy for birds making long journeys south.
Many species gain up to 10% of their body weight during brief stops at these trees. Virginia’s location along major migration routes makes these September cherry feasts especially important for conservation efforts.