Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Black, Purple

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Chokecherry is large shrub or small tree typically growing to 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, with an irregular, oval-rounded crown. It also may be found in shorter heights as a large shrub. Fragrant, cup-shaped, white flowers appear in elongated clusters to 3 to 6 inches long in mid-spring. Flowers give way to clusters of globular, pea-sized berries that ripen to dark purple/black in August. Fruits are technically edible, but are astringent (hence the common name) but can be made into jams, jellies, pies, and sauces. Fruits are very attractive to many birds and animals. Elliptic leaves with sharply toothed margins are dark green above and gray-green beneath. Fall color is golden yellow to orange. Although a Utah native and common in the wild in many parts of the U. S., the species is infrequently sold in commerce, though ‘Schubert’ and 'Canada Red', both purple-leafed forms, are commonly available. It will sucker, and so is most useful where that quality is of value, such as in naturally styled gardens or restoration areas.

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, promptly remove suckers to prevent any unwanted spread. It can tolerate moderate drought once established, but grows best were it reseems periodic summer watering. Prune selectively if needed; will require removal of suckers and lower branches to be maintained as a tree. A Utah native.