Western Chokecherry vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

CUSTOM GROW

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Water Arum
Western Chokecherry

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

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.

Water Arum Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: low

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry