Western Chokecherry vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Black Locust

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Robinia pseudoacacia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Western Chokecherry
Black Locust

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 Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Fall colour: reddish-purple
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust