Black cherry's edible, bitter fruit is used in wine making, as well as to flavor brandies, liqueurs, jellies, or preserves.

The reddish-brown color of black cherry heartwood resembles mahogany wood, and its hard, close-grained characteristics make beautiful furniture, trim, tool handles, veneers, and cabinets. The hardwood is also used in the production of boats and printing blocks. The inner bark contains extracts used for Wild Cherry cough syrup.