Chokecherry

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a deciduous, thicket-forming shrub or small tree. Estimates for mature height vary widely from 12-40 feet.

This small, elegant tree has dangling clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring to mid summer. The leaves are oval, serrated, 2-4 inches long and pointed at the tip. The fruit is a ¼-½ inch cherry that starts red and becomes purple or black when ripe.  Fall foliage is yellow.

Chokecherry is a very valuable tree for wildlife.  Many butterflies rely on it for nectar, such as the pale swallowtail, silvery blue, spring azure, and painted lady.  Lorquin's admiral and spring azure butterflies lay their eggs on chokecherries.