Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a suckering large shrub or small tree common over much of the United States. Foliage is dark green above and gray-green beneath, turning shades of yellow and orange in the fall. Chokecherry has attractive white flowers that grow in long clusters in mid-spring and give way to pea-sized red berries that will darken to purple or black in the late summer. These berries are tart and bitter, but when very ripe at the end of the summer can be processed into jams, jellies, pies, sauces, etc. They are also loved by birds and other animals. Add as a specimen tree or shrub to garden beds, plant in woodland or shade gardens, or use as a privacy hedge or screen. Chokecherry is tolerant of urban pollution.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April (trees) and May to early June (shrubs)
Chokecherry
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days) (preferred)
Mature Size: 10 - 12' tall and 10' wide shrub or a 20 - 30' tall by 15 - 20' wide small to medium tree
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Season: May - June
Hardiness Zone: 2 - 7
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: No
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Adaptable to well-drained sand, loam, or clay soils.
Plants in the Prunus genus are host species for 185 known native pollinators in northern Utah. Chokecherry also provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, berries for birds and wildlife, and habitat and nesting sites for birds and other animals.