Common Caragana vs Western Chokecherry - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Caragana arborescens

Western Chokecherry
Common Caragana

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.

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Common Caragana Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 1b
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Fall colour: reddish-purple
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia