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a common wild cherry of eastern North America having small bitter black berries favored by birds

a common wild cherry of eastern North America having small bitter black berries favored by birds

Wild cherry bark used to advantage in diseases of respiratory tract.

The bark of this tree has been found useful in intermittents. The leaves are poisonous to certain animals, and the berries intoxicate different kinds of birds. The Indians use the bark in the cure of syphilis. It is bitter and astringent, and possesses some aromatic warmth, and likewise a sedative quality. It is stimulant and tonic. The leaves contain prussic acid. The distilled oil of the bark is very nearly identical with that of the bitter almond. A strong decoction of the bark is anthelmintic. Prunus Vulgaris, P. Padus.

The chokecherry; a small tree or shrub growing in the United States, bearing a small astringent fruit.

Of the U. S. Ph. (Br. Ph., pruni virginianae cortex), the bark of P. serotina.