Western Chokecherry vs Nannyberry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Nannyberry
Western Chokecherry

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

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.

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: white
Berries: red to purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry