Chokecherry

Moderately drought hardy; provides food source for birds and deer; suitable for shelterbelts.

Latin name: Prunus virginiana L. var. melanocarpa (Sarg.)

Type of tree: broadleaf (native shrub)

• Bark (colour and texture): smooth and dark grayish-brown
• Leaves (shape, size, etc.): dark green, 6 to 12 centimetres long, oval, tapered to sharp tip; finely toothed margins; leaf arrangement is alternate
• Form: spreading shrub or small tree

Height: 7 metres

Growth rate: fast

Fruit and flowers: white flowers form dense cluster, maturing into a crimson to black berry-like fruit in late summer; fruit makes excellent jelly and wine

Soil: grown best on moist well-drained soils; fair alkali tolerance

Limitations: performs poorly in arid southwestern region of province; shade intolerant; cultivation is required to control suckering; susceptible to black knot disease and tent caterpillar.