Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana |
Other common names:
Choke Cherry, Eastern Chokecherry, Red Choke Cherry, Red Chokecherry
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Family:
Rose Family (Rosaceae)
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Group:
Cherries
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Distinctive features:
Shrub
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Similar species:
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) - a tree.
Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) - a tree.
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Flowers:
Spring; White; 5 parts (petals)
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Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Toothed; Alternate, simple.
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Height:
8 m (26 ft)
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Fruit/Seeds:
Black fruit.
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Habitat:
Fields and Open Areas; Open areas.
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Uses:
Edible fruits, although they are VERY tart!
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Edible:
Edible but extremely tart, hence the name!
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Books:
Trees in Canada: 382
Shrubs of Ontario: 211
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 314
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Native/Non-native:
Native
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Status:
Common.
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Notes:
The fruits are edible, although very sour - hence the shrub's name.
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Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: virginiana: of Virginia, Virginian
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Photographs:
121 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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![Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)](http://wildwoodnature.net/photos_plants/2027/ChokeCherry3190_w.jpg)
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Here is an overall picture of a Chokecherry shrub, in spring, in flower. |
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![Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)](http://wildwoodnature.net/photos_plants/2027/ChokeCherry3186_w.jpg)
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Close-up of a branch with leaves and flower cluster. |
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![Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)](http://wildwoodnature.net/photos_plants/2027/ChokeCherry3187_w.jpg)
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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.
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(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website
and is displayed here in accordance with their
Policies)
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