Wild black cherries grow predominantly in the eastern section of the United States. You must remove the pit found in black cherries to avoid incurring cyanide poisoning. The leaves, twigs, and bark of the wild cherry tree also possess toxicity.

Too much ingestion of the pulp produces prunasin, which in large doses can cause death. Therefore, your best bet is to forage for wild red cherries that turn bright red at maturation. You can taste test wild red cherries to avoid eating from a tree that produces sour cherry juice. Tart wild cherries complement the sweet flavors imparted by blueberries and strawberries.