Chokecherry

General 
Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana 
Family: Rosaceae (Rose) 
Hardiness: Zone 2 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: 25’-45’ 
Longevity: Medium 
Power Line: No 

Ornamental 
Flowers: White 
Fruit: Elongated cluster of small purple/black cherries 
Fall Color: Yellow

This medium-sized, suckering, hardy tree or large shrub is native throughout North Dakota. Purple-leaved selections are popular landscape plants. Fruits are commonly used for jellies and jams. The largest tree form in North Dakota is 41 feet tall with a canopy spread of 28 feet.

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Dry to medium. 
Soil: Average dry to medium soils.

One of the most important plants for wildlife food and cover. Twigs and foliage are heavily browsed by deer. Chokecherry is often used for beautification in farmsteads and along highways. Several cultivars exist including: ‘Schubert’ or ‘Canada Red’ chokecherry - released by Oscar Will Nursery in Bismarck and was originally grafted to reduce suckering but now is largely cutting-propagated. The leaves of this variety turn purple in color as the summer progresses and turns red in the fall. There are several yellow fruited varieties available on the market as well.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Chokecherry

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Chokecherry

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Chokecherry