Western Chokecherry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Spicebush
Western Chokecherry

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the 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.

Spicebush Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $9.99
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Flowers: greenish yellow
Berries: red
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry