PRUNUS VIRGINIANA / COMMON CHOKECHERRY

PRUNUS VIRGINIANA / CHOKECHERRY

A Versatile Native Shrub or Small Tree with Showy Flowers and Wildlife Value

Prunus virginiana, commonly known as Chokecherry, is a native shrub or small tree valued for its upright habit, fragrant white flower clusters, and abundant dark berries. Blooming in late spring, it provides an important nectar source for pollinators and a reliable food supply for birds and wildlife. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Chokecherry is well-suited to hedgerows, naturalized landscapes, and restoration plantings.

Why Choose Chokecherry?

Showy Spring Blooms: Fragrant white flowers in elongated clusters.
Wildlife Friendly: Berries are an important food source for birds and mammals.
Adaptable & Hardy: Tolerates a wide range of soils and growing conditions.
Multi-Use Plant: Works well as a hedge, screen, or naturalized planting.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning yellow to red in fall.
Flower Color: White, fragrant flowers in late spring.
Fruit: Dark red to black berries in late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 15–30 feet tall and wide; may form thickets.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 2–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adaptable to loam, clay, and sandy sites.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 15–30 feet tall and wide.
Growth Habit: Upright shrub or small tree; spreading by suckers.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–7.
Flowering: Late spring.
Fruit Production: Late summer; excellent for wildlife.

Ideal Uses:

Hedgerows & Screens: Dense growth provides privacy and shelter.
Wildlife Plantings: Supports birds, pollinators, and mammals.
Naturalized & Restoration Areas: Excellent for conservation projects.
Native Landscapes: Adds seasonal interest and ecological value.

Chokecherry is a hardy and ecologically important native plant. Its fragrant flowers, abundant fruit, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized landscapes.