Prunus virginiana - Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana - ChokecherrySizes available: #1 (Trade gallon), perhaps ready in fall, 2026 Basics: Zones 2 7, 12 30' x 18 25', full sun to at least part shade, numerous fragrant, white flowers bloom on long, drooping racemes in late spring, ripening red to dark purple in early fall, although this plant likes some moisture, it wants good drainage and is very adaptable. Common names: Chokecherry, Choke Cherry, Bitter berry, Common Chokecherry, Virginia Bird Cherry Family:

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon), perhaps ready in fall, 2026

Basics: Zones 2-7, 12-30' x 18-25', full sun to at least part shade, numerous fragrant, white flowers bloom on long, drooping racemes in late spring, ripening red to dark purple in early fall, although this plant likes some moisture, it wants good drainage and is very adaptable. 

Common names: Chokecherry, Choke Cherry, Bitter-berry, Common Chokecherry, Virginia Bird Cherry

Family: Rosaceae

Origin/Distribution: Occurs in 45 states including all od New England and ten Canadian Provinces. Native to Maine.

Habitat: This pioneer species can be found pretty much anywhere except standing water and deep shade: abandoned fields, cut-over land, forest edge, scrubland, thicket, open woods, meadow, roadside, fence row, streambank, rocky well-drained slopes and bluffs, railroad beds. 

More: medicinal and edible, but also contains potentially toxic properties, a stellar larval host, and so much more coming soon.

Source: Cold Stream Farm

Image credits: All images from Wikimedia Commons: flower, fruit, and botanical illustration by Mrs. Ellis Rowan from Alice Lounsberry's "A guide to the Wildflowers"