Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, fruit, and flowering small tree or large shrub
Variety / Cultivar
Common wild type (Prunus virginiana var. virginiana)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7, highly adaptable to cold northern climates and varying soil conditions.
About This Tree
A dense, multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with an irregular, rounded crown. Noted for its profuse dangling clusters of small, bright red to dark purplish-black cherries that contrast sharply against the dark green foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves that are oval to oblong-obovate, 2 to 4 inches long, finely serrated or toothed margins, medium to dark green in summer, turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels when young, becoming slightly rougher, darker, and shallowly furrowed with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native across much of North America, from Canada down through the northern and western United States.
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring, produces white flower racemes in late spring followed by heavy loads of red to dark purple drupes in summer, entering dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moderate moisture with well-draining soils, but exhibits good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height with an equal or slightly lesser spread, growing at a moderate to fast rate with a lifespan of around 30 to 50 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely hardy, high value for wildlife, dense thicket-forming habit, produces astringent fruits traditionally used for jams, jellies, and pemmican.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly attractive to a wide variety of birds, small mammals, and native pollinators. The fruit is a vital food source for songbirds and game birds, while the foliage supports numerous butterfly and moth larvae.