Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana |
Other common names:
Choke Cherry, Eastern Chokecherry, Red Choke Cherry, Red Chokecherry
Family:
Rose Family (Rosaceae)
Group:
Cherries
Distinctive features:
Shrub
Similar species:
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Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) - a tree.
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Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) - a tree.
Flowers:
Spring; White; 5 parts (petals)
Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Toothed; Alternate, simple.
Height:
8 m (26 ft)
Fruit/Seeds:
Black fruit.
Habitat:
Fields and Open Areas; Open areas.
Uses:
Edible fruits, although they are VERY tart!
Edible:
Edible but extremely tart, hence the name!
Books:
Trees in Canada: 382
Shrubs of Ontario: 211
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 314
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Common.
Notes:
The fruits are edible, although very sour - hence the shrub's name.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: virginiana: of Virginia, Virginian
Photographs:
121 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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Here is an overall picture of a Chokecherry shrub, in spring, in flower. |
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Close-up of a branch with leaves and flower cluster. |
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Close-up of the flowers. Note how the are arranged along a stem, and hang down. They are fragrant. This picture was taken in late May. |
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Range map for Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.
(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website
and is displayed here in accordance with their
Policies)
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