Wild Black Cherry is common throughout Illinois; it occurs in every county (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands (dominated by oak, basswood-maple, & others), open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, limestone glades, fence rows, powerline clearances, vacant lots, and waste areas. Wild Black Cherry is a pioneer species that thrives on disturbance in wooded areas. It is one of the woody species that can invade prairies and meadows in the absence of fire.