Western Chokecherry vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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Black Cherry
Western Chokecherry

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

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.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry