Also known as Bitter-Berry · Canadian Choke Cherry · Common Choke-Cherry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a large shrub or small tree native to North America, known for its white spring flowers and tart, dark red to black fruit.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young.
Adaptable to various soil types
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2-6.
Low
25% intensity
Generally requires minimal fertilization; a light feed in spring if needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Leaves, seeds, and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides. Fruit is edible when fully ripe and cooked, but raw fruit and other parts are toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Chokecherry prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment phase. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency once the plant is well-established, but provide supplemental water during prolonged dry spells.
Prune chokecherry to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin out dense canopies to improve air circulation and light penetration.
The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light shaping can be done after flowering to maintain desired form.
Chokecherry can be propagated from seed, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer and treated with rooting hormone can also be successful.
Division of suckers that emerge from the base of established plants is another effective method.
As chokecherry is typically grown as a shrub or small tree, repotting is usually only necessary for young container-grown plants. When root-bound, transplant to a pot 5-10 cm larger. Use a well-draining potting mix.
For older, field-grown plants, transplanting is a significant undertaking best done in dormancy.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus virginiana |
Similar in genus Prunus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
