Chokecherry Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Most of North America. It grows 3–8 m (10–26 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Chokecherry in your garden →
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Chokecherry at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 3–8 m (10–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: cooked fruit (jelly, syrup, pemmican); pits removed |
| Native to | Most of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Chokecherry toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: leaves, pits, bark
Wilted leaves and crushed pits release cyanide: dangerous to livestock and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chokecherry
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Chokecherry
- How far apart should I plant Chokecherry?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Chokecherry need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chokecherry need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chokecherry?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Chokecherry flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chokecherry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Wilted leaves and crushed pits release cyanide: dangerous to livestock and pets.
- What grows well with Chokecherry?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Astringent dark cherries sweeten once cooked; a key Indigenous food plant. ‘Schubert’ turns purple-leaved in summer. Suckers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata