Name
Common Chokecherry
Scientific Name
Prunus virginiana
Wildlife Value
Good
Average height
20'
Origin
Native
Shade Tolerance
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Good
Growth Rate
Slow
Fruit
Bitter Berries
Special Characteristics
White Flowers
Seedling Size
12"-18"
 
 
General Description
This small suckering hardy tree or large shrub is native throughout Minnesota.  The leaves and fruit stones are poisonous containing hydrocyanic acid.
 
Pests
Common diseases include X-disease, black knot, stem decay, shothole and Valsa canker. Common insect pest is prairie tent caterpillar. Deer commonly browse choke-cherry. Extract of various Prunus species are toxic to various insect pests.
 
Uses
Fruits ripen in late summer to a bright red to a redish purple andare commonly used for jellies and jams, but highly delectable source of food for birds.