Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana L.

Description

Chokecherry, also called Virginia bird cherry ²,  is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and forms a shrub or small tree up to 30 feet tall ¹.  The bark is smooth and gray ¹ and has horizontal lines of lenticels ⁵.  Its alternate leaves are from 1.5 to 5 inches long with saw-toothed edges. Crushed leaves produce a strong bitter scent ¹.  Flowers are produced in clusters after leafing out and are white 5-petaled, and 1/4 to 3/8 inch across ^2,5.  The pea-sized ² fruit is red or burgundy, turning black and wrinkly when mature ¹ .

Leaves and flowers of chokecherry.  C. Raimond, Maryland Biodiversity Project ³

Fruit of chokecherry.  M. Gillett, Maryland Biodiversity Project ³

Distribution

Chokecherry is widely distributed across the northern USA and southern Canada.  It is found in all but eight states or territories of the US ⁶.  Chokecherry is naturally found in the mountainous regions of Western Maryland and can be found elsewhere escaped from cultivation ³.

Natural range of Chokecherry.  Wikimedia Commons ⁴

Wildlife Importance

Chokecherry is a larval host for the Eastern Swallowtail and Coral Hairstreak butterflies³.  It is also host to several moth species ³.  Wildlife including birds, rabbits, chipmunks, mice, and bears consume its fruit ^1,5.

Economic Importance

Indian tribes of North America dried or boiled the  fruit to remove the bitter tase and detoxify them ⁶.  The fruit was eaten whole or made into a tea or used as a flavoring to other foods ⁶.  Mature fruits are used today for making jams, jellies, pie fillings and sauces ⁵.  Choke cherry is used for erosion control due to its extensive root system ⁵.  It is also used for horticulture and fruit production ⁵.  The fleshy fruit may be used to produce

Threats

Chokecherry is susceptible to numerous pests and diseases.  Potential diseases include black knot,  leaf curl,  root rot and fireblight ².   Pests include tent caterpillars and Japanese beetles ².

Interesting Facts

• In 1629 chokecherry was imported from North America to England where it is widely cultivated ⁵.
• Seeds, leaves and stems are highly toxic as they produce hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and can cause illness or death ⁵.  Toxicity is exhibited when consumption exceeds 0.25% of the body weight.  Consumption of 4 ounces of young leaves can be toxic to a 100 pound animal ⁶.
• The Cherokee used a tea made from chokecherry to give to women when labor pains started ⁶.

References

1. North Carolina State Extension:  Prunus virginica
2. Missouri Botanical Garden: Prunus virginiana
3. Maryland Biodiversity Project:  Chokecherry
4. Wikimedia Commons: Prunus virginiana
5. USDA-NRCS Fact Sheet:  Chokecherry
6. USDA-NRCS Plant Guide:  Chokecherry

Contributed by J. Hull

Towson University Glen Arboretum