Chokecherry

Scientific name

Prunus virginiana

Description

The Chokecherry is a large deciduous shrub or small tree which grows between 6 and 9 m tall and is a member of the Rose family. It produces a twisted or crooked trunk as well as a narrow, oval to round crown composed of many slender branches. Leaves are alternately arranged, simple, have a deep green upper surface, and light matte green undersides with tufts of hair at the vein axils. During the fall, foliage turns a vibrant deep red to fire yellow or orange. Between May and June, small showy white flowers grow in cylindrical clusters on the terminal ends of branches. By mid-August, flowers turn into shiny deep red or black cherries, which hang in elongated clusters. The fruit is ripe by September and provides a food source for birds and small mammals. The Chokecherry is often found as pure stands forming thickets, or mixed with other early succession shrub and tree species. This fast-growing plant can quickly invade logged land, abandoned farms, and exposed shorelines. The fibrous and wide-spreading root system of this shrub make it an ideal plant for erosion control and bank stabilization. This species possesses the ability to withstand moderate flooding and drought.

Planting conditions

Chokecherry is shade intolerant and should be planted in full sun to part shade. This species grows best in moist, deep soil with a neutral pH. Chokecherry prefers soils that are sandy, silty, or loamy with good drainage. Chokecherry can naturally be found growing in woodlands, savannas, wooded ravines, thickets, and fields.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 6-9 m
• Spread:
  • 2m