Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry)

Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) is a suckering small tree or large shrub adorned with an irregular, oval-rounded crown clothed in elliptic, sharply toothed leaves. Dark green above and gray-green beneath, they turn brilliant golden-yellow and orange in the fall. In mid-spring, a profusion of fragrant, cup-shaped, white flowers held in elongated clusters, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), smother the bare branches and create a terrific floral display. The blossoms give way to clusters of rounded, pea-sized, red berries that ripen to dark purple-black in late summer. Attractive to birds and other wildlife, the berries are tart when raw but can be harvested for processing into jams, jellies, pies, and sauces.

Prunus virginiana is a magnet for numerous bird species, including the American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Its abundant berries and dense foliage provide essential food and shelter, making it a cherished resource for avian visitors.

• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m). Will sucker to form colonies in the wild.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Drought tolerant. Tolerates high pH and clay soils.
• Perfect choice for shrub borders, open woodland gardens, or native plant areas.
• Susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, spider mites, black knot, leaf spot, dieback, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and fire blight.
• Promptly remove suckers to prevent any undesired spread.
• This plant has low-severity poison characteristics. Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide, which is particularly toxic in wilting.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native across a vast span of North America, from Canada and Alaska through the northern and central United States, extending into the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and parts of the Southwest. It thrives in woodlands, streambanks, prairies, and open slopes, adapting to diverse soils and climates from cool forests to sunny, dry uplands.
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