Western Chokecherry vs Sour Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Sour Cherry

Prunus cerasus

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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Sour Cherry
Western Chokecherry

Sour Cherry is a self-fertile and cold hardy cherry tree. Not to be confused with sweet cherries, sour cherries are the only cherries that are successfully grown in prairie climates.

Sour Cherry is ideal for cooking, preserves, or for making juices and jams, while sweet cherries are preferred for fresh eating. While we can't confirm claims of sour cherries medical benefits, studies have shown that sour cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate sleep patterns.

Sour Cherry flowers emerge in April-May with fruit ripening in June-July. This variety prefers well-drained soil and does not like any standing water. If you're looking to create an inexpensive edible hedge, consider Sour Cherry.

This Sour Cherry is produced from seed and is not a clonally reproduced selection like the Evans, Rose, or Montmorency.

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.

Sour Cherry Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low




Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry