Cherry has a long and distinguished history in the United States, having been cultivated here since 1629. It grows to an average height of 100 feet with an average seasoned weight of 36 pounds per cubic foot. The freshly cut heartwood is usually light amber in tone, but darkens considerably with age and exposure to sunlight. The heartwood may eventually show alternate light and dark streaks, while the sapwood is even lighter in color, varying from white to yellow brown.

Its use in fine furniture is so revered it is sometimes referred to as cabinet cherry. Although cherry has never fallen out of favor with the public, today it is more popular than ever. Another reason cherry wood is popular with woodworkers and their customers may be because it finishes well with a variety of methods. It does have a tendency to darken after cutting, but the use of protective varnishes can stop the darkening process.

Cherry wood works well with hand and power tools with moderate blunting on cutting edges. Nails, glues, and stains well and has good wood bending properties.