chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
USDA zones2 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size20 to 30 feet tall15 to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a tree for borders, hedges, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Fragrant white flowers hang in pendulous clusters in late spring. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit it, and the fruits make jams, syrups, and berry wine. Branches break easily in ice storms.
Pairs well with Shrubby cinquefoil, Red fescue, and Emerald Pink moss phlox.
Native range
North America.