Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a hardy native shrub or small tree with an open crown and long, dense flower clusters. Fragrant white blooms appear before the leaves are fully developed in spring, followed by drooping clusters of fruit that ripen in August or early September. The fruit varies from yellow to crimson to black and is very astringent but edible; it can be prepared as preserves. Chokecherry grows naturally in rich, moist soils along stream edges and woodland margins, and tolerates sunny sites better than shade. Its fruits feed birds and other wildlife, while the species also serves as a larval host for butterflies. Open-grown plants may form small trees; shoots from root crowns can create a dense, multi-stemmed shrub. Sources: [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/pruvir), [Natural Resources Canada](https://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/en/trees/factsheet/62), and [Plant Select](https://plantselect.org/plant/prunus-p002s-pp25-767/). ## Maintenance Water newly planted trees and shrubs until established. Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing stems, and allow room for suckering shoots if a natural thicket is desired.