Chokecherry

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a native, perennial, deciduous, woody, erect shrub or small tree. In its native habitat it almost always occurs in dense thickets or large clusters. It can, however, be pruned as a single-trunk ornamental in landscaping or fruit bearing applications.  It rarely reaches a height of over 30 feet. It occurs most commonly in canyon bottoms and northern aspects at 6-8’000 feet. It can occur as low as 5,000 feet. Can be transplanted and adapted to yards. When pruned it can be shaped into tree form, but it naturally occurs as shrubby, densely formed stands. Well adapted to riparian zones.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is used extensively in shelterbelts, windbreaks, wildlife habitat and mass plantings for erosion control. It does well in riparian areas. It provides thermal cover for wildlife.  It works well in stabilizing streambanks. It is used on disturbed sites such as mined land reclamation, highway right-of-ways and construction sites. It is a good erosion control plant because it forms thickets and spread by rhizomes. Chokecherry is well adapted to fire disturbance. It can be top-killed by fire, but re-sprouts readily from root crowns and rhizomes.

Chokecherry is important to many wildlife animals. Birds, rabbits, hares, rodents and bears all seek out and eat its fruit. It provides food, cover and nesting habitat for a variety of birds. Birds also take advantage of its growth form for cover and nesting habitat. It is used extensively by deer as a browse source in the winter. The early spring very aromatic flowers are an important source of nectar for butterflies, honeybees and ants.

In some parts of the U.S., chokecherry is a popular ornamental. Its quick growth, mature size, attractive white flowers in the spring and strong, sweet and almond-like aroma fragrance make it a good yard tree in urban neighborhoods. Cultivars are planted for ornamentals rather than the native species. All native chokecherry varieties have a great tendency to sucker, which can create problems in lawn care. Most cultivated varieties do not have this suckering trait while producing more attractive flowers and/or larger fruit. The fruit also attracts a diverse population of birds for a number of weeks. Chokecherries can be a component in a screen or noise barrier planting.

The common name, chokecherry, came from the bitter and astringent taste of the fruit. Pioneers and settlers came to realize its food value. Mature fruits are still collected today and used to make jellies, jams, pie-fillings, syrups, sauces and wines.