Common Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana L. is a resilient native shrub to much of North America that produces dark berries that can be used to create baked goods, juice, wine, and more.

Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana L.
Common Name: Chokecherry, Western Chokecherry, Black Chokecherry
Plant Family: Rosaceae

Etymology: Prunus means plum tree in Latin. Chokecherries were most likely given this name due to their similarly dark flesh. Virginiana refers to Virginia and is often translated roughly to “of Virginia.”

Indigenous Uses

Chokecherries have been historically very important to the Niitsitapi and Tsis tsis'tas peoples for both their medicinal and food purposes.

Medicinal Uses 

Chokecherries have been used among many indigenous peoples especially for in treatments of the respiratory system and sore throats. It has also been used as an astringent, anti-diarrheal, and even as a sedative.  The bark and dried fruit have been used to stimulate appetite. The inner bark has also been known to be used for the treatment of wounds. It has gained some popularity recently due to its high antioxidant levels.

Edible Parts

Though often not eaten raw unless very mature, chokecherries are frequently made into jams and syrups as ways of enjoying and preserving them. They can also be used in baked goods such as pies. Chokecherries can be dried and eaten without any further preparation. The bark and twigs have been used as a tea substitute. They can also be used to make juices or wines.

Gathering and Using

Gather chokecherries when they are fully mature and ripe as otherwise they will be very bitter and astringent. When ripe, the berries will look dark red or purple, or even black. When mature, chokecherries can yield up to thirty to forty pounds of fruit that can then be used in a variety of ways such as jams or juices.

Permaculture Functions and Considerations 

Chokeberries extensive root systems make them great candidates for erosion control. They also can be used in differing ways for human consumption along with acting as an important part of differing animal diets. Chokecherries can also be used for their medicinal purposes listed previously. They also provide very slow burning firewood.

Habitat

Chokecherries grow well in many soils but prefer moist, well drained soil. While chokecherries can be grown in full sun or part shade, their preference is full sun.

How to Identify

Chokecherries tend to grow as large bushes, but if trained can be grown as small trees. They tend to have a horizontal oval shape. In the spring they tend to have darker green glossy leaves and lighter green foliage near the bottom of the shrub. Bloom consists of many small white flower clusters. Chokecherry fruit are drupes and often appear almost black. Chokecherry trees have both female and male sex organs meaning that all chokecherry trees are hermaphrodite.

Wildlife Support

Many animals such as terrestrial birds eat chokecherries. Their flowers are also great resources for pollinators.

Additional Information

Chokecherries get their common name from their bitterness and astringency when eaten raw and in an unmature state.

Sources

• “Prunus virginiana L.” Plants for a Future.
• “Prunus virginiana L.” United States Department of Agriculture.
• “Prunus virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden
• “Chokecherry in the Home Garden.” Utah State University: Yard and Garden Extension.