ExplorePlants

chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Chokecherries are small, dark red or black berries that grow on bushes. They are often found in woods and along roadsides, and they can be used to make yummy jams and jellies!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The chokecherry is a large shrub or small tree with rough, dark bark and oval leaves that turn yellow or red in fall. It produces long, drooping clusters of tiny white flowers in spring, followed by hanging bunches of small, dark red to black berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus
chokecherry
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
chokecherry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its seeds contain a hidden chemical defense, making them unsafe to eat!

Native Americans traditionally dried chokecherry fruit into cakes for winter food!

The fruit is so tart it can make your mouth pucker, giving it its name!

You might spot tiny glands on the leaves where they meet the stem!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

Chokecherry has toxic compounds in its leaves and seeds that help it defend against hungry plant-eaters.

Ability

Rapid Reclaimer

Chokecherry can quickly grow in disturbed areas, helping it establish new habitats after fires or clearings.

Ability

Berry Broadcast

Chokecherry has juicy, tart fruits that attract birds and mammals, helping it spread its seeds far and wide.

Measurements & details

Height
100-600 cm
Spread
100-400 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

eats its ripe fruits, aiding in seed dispersal.

eats

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

enjoys the abundant, tart chokecherries in late summer.

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses on young leaves and twigs, despite mild toxicity.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits its fragrant spring flowers for nectar and pollen.

Traits

Also known as

Choke Cherry

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Chokecherries can be sour and should be eaten in small amounts. Always ask an adult before trying new berries!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is chokecherry?

100-600 cm

How wide does chokecherry spread?

100-400 cm

How big are the flowers on chokecherry?

0.5-1 cm

When does chokecherry bloom?

Spring

Is chokecherry edible?

Yes

Is chokecherry toxic?

Moderate

What is chokecherry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is chokecherry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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