Prunus serotina. Cerasus serotina  Wild cherry bark, Wild black cherry, Virginian prune bark  Family: Rosaceae 
PART USED: Bark- collected in autumn.
TASTE: Astringent and bitter  ODOR: Like benzaldehyde when damp.
ACTIONS
GROUP: Herbs for the lower respiratory tract
1. Antitussive.[1,2,3]
2. Astringent,[1,2,3] to digestive and respiratory membranes.[2]
3. Sedative-[1,2,3] including cardiac sedative. -mild.[2]
4. Bechic.[2]
5. Bitter tonic.[2]
INDICATIONS- Used for centuries for cough syrups.[3]
1. Any persistent or nervous cough.[1,2] Persistant cough.[1] Pertussis.[1] Whooping cough.[2] Irritable and persistent coughs such as those due to bronchitis and whooping cough.[3]
2. Dyspepsia including nervous dyspepsia.[1,2,3]
3. Palpitations with gastric or bronchial disorders.[2]
4. Convalescence.[2]
5. Diarrhea- as astringent.[2,3]
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Irritable and persistent cough of bronchitis. Pertussis. Cough due to increased irritability of respiratory mucosa.[1,2]
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS:  3X /day
Powdered bark  0.5-2 g,[1,2] or by infusion 1:20.
Fluid extract  1:1 in 25% alcohol  1-2 ml.[1,2]
Tincture  (BPC1949)  2-4 ml.[1,2]
Syrup (BPC1973)  2.5-10 ml.[1,2,3]
Storage- Store in airtight containers, free from moisture and protected from light.[1]
     
ORIGIN: Canada and USA.
DESCRIPTION: Occurs in flat, curved or channelled pieces, up to about 4 mm in thickness. Larger pieces are considered to be of inferior quality. The external surface in the young bark is covered with a smooth, glossy, red-brown cork with white lenticels, often exfoliating to reveal the greenish brown cortex. The older bark is rough and darker. The inner surface is brownish, longitudinally striated, often with adherent patches of yellowish wood.
References
Constituents
Research

Nutraceutical Value of Black Cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. Fruits: Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Properties pdf