Western Chokecherry vs Russian Almond - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Russian Almond

Prunus tenella

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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Russian Almond
Western Chokecherry

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Western Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks.

It produces white flowers in the spring and edible dark purple fruit that matures between September and October. Its cherries are great for making for making jams, jellies or wine, but are not very palatable for raw eating.

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Flowers: bright pink
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: dwarf russian almond
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry