Western Chokecherry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Spicebush

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Lindera benzoin

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Western Chokecherry
Spicebush

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.

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 Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Berries: red
Flowers: greenish yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice