Western Chokecherry vs Diablo Ninebark - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Diablo Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Diablo Ninebark
Western Chokecherry

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

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.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $9.99
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry