Western Chokecherry vs Russian Almond - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Russian Almond

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Prunus tenella

Western Chokecherry
Russian Almond

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 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 Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Flowers: bright pink
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: dwarf russian almond