Western Chokecherry vs Variegated Dogwood - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Variegated Dogwood

Cornus alba argenteo-marginata

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

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Variegated Dogwood
Western Chokecherry

Variegated Dogwood is a small shrub that is often used in the first row of a shelterbelt, as a hedge, or for soil stabilization projects. It has the same distinctive red bark, white flowers, and berries as Red Osier Dogwood.

The key difference between the two is the leaves. Where Red Osier's leaves are green throughout, Variegated Dogwood has a white outline around each leaf, giving this shrub a distinctive look.

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.

Variegated Dogwood Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Foliage: variegated white edges
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: tatarian dogwood
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry