Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Also listed as Cerasus virginiana, Padus virginiana
Also known as Common Chokecherry, Virginia Chokecherry, Eastern Chokecherry
Climate Match for your location
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A native deciduous shrub or small tree bearing fragrant white flower clusters in spring, followed by dark purple-black berries that attract wildlife. The foliage turns reddish in fall, providing multi-season interest.
Why grow it
Chokecherry offers reliable fruit production for wildlife habitat and processing compared to many ornamental cherries that prioritize flowers over yield. It establishes quickly in a range of soil conditions and tolerates both drought and cold climates better than sweet cherry cultivars, making it practical for permaculture systems across much of North America. The plant provides an extended season of visual interest without requiring specialized pruning.
Watch out for
The fruit is quite astringent when raw and benefits from cooking, processing, or full ripeness before consumption. Chokecherry can spread via root suckering in favorable conditions, so site it where this growth habit either complements your design or where you can manage regrowth with occasional removal.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native deciduous shrub or small tree bearing fragrant white flower clusters in spring, followed by dark purple-black berries that attract wildlife. The foliage turns reddish in fall, providing multi-season interest.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chokecherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chokecherry offers reliable fruit production for wildlife habitat and processing compared to many ornamental cherries that prioritize flowers over yield. It establishes quickly in a range of soil conditions and tolerates both drought and cold climates better than sweet cherry cultivars, making it practical for permaculture systems across much of North America. The plant provides an extended season of visual interest without requiring specialized pruning.
Watch out for
The fruit is quite astringent when raw and benefits from cooking, processing, or full ripeness before consumption. Chokecherry can spread via root suckering in favorable conditions, so site it where this growth habit either complements your design or where you can manage regrowth with occasional removal.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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