Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry)

A shrub-like tree.  Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Best flowering is in full sun. Plants will sucker to form colonies in the wild. Promptly remove suckers to prevent any unwanted spread.  Fruits are technically edible, but are astringent (hence the common name) and should not be eaten off the tree. Fruits can be harvested for processing into jams, jellies, pies and sauces. Fruits are very attractive to many birds and animals.

Associates: Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch), Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty), Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium), Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Prunus serotina (Wild Black Cherry), Ptelea trifoliata (Wafer Ash), Quercus rubra (Red Oak), Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry), Sassafras albidum (Sassafras), Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal), Smilacina stellata (Starry Solomon’s Seal), Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed Godenrod), Tilia americana (American Linden)