How to identify Common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

How to identify Common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Common chokecherry, also known as Virginia bird cherry, Black chokecherry

Common chokecherry presents itself either as a robust, deciduous shrub or as a modestly-sized tree. Noted for its capacity to forge dense thickets, common chokecherry thrives with a shallow, expansive root system, often generating new plants via long subterranean runners. Its foliage is typically lush, and during blossoming periods, it produces clusters of modest flowers. In autumn, common chokecherry is characterized by its display of small, pulpy fruits. The growth habit of common chokecherry is diverse, allowing it to adapt across a spectrum of woodland environments as well as open terrains.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common chokecherry

Oval to orbicular concave white petals with yellowish sepals, fragrant, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm).

Small drupes, red turning to black, 0.3 inches (7-8 mm), glossy texture with single stone pit.

Egg-shaped serrated leaves, 1.5-5 inches (3.8-12.7 cm), bitter scent when crushed.

Variable colored stem, smooth when young, rough with age, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), slightly shiny.

Bark starts thin and smooth, becoming scaly and furrowed, with horizontal lenticels, less than 1/5 inch (5 mm).

Detailed Traits of Common chokecherry

Leaf Features

The leaves of common chokecherry are egg-shaped, measuring 1.5 to 5 inches (3.8 to 12.7 cm) in length. They feature serrate edges and taper into long slender tips. The leaves can either fall off in winter or wither and remain on the plant. Minimal hair may be present along the veins on the underside. When crushed, the leaves emit a strong bitter scent.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,

Ovate ,

Obovate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,

Acute

Leaf Margin

Serrate

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Flower Features

The flowers of common chokecherry are characterized by their oval to orbicular and concave petals, giving each bloom a delicate, rounded appearance. These petals, combined with green sepals that mature to a yellow hue, impart a subtle yellowish tint to the otherwise white flowers. Each flower typically measures about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. Arranged in dense clusters, they emanate a mild, sweet fragrance and primarily bloom in late spring to early summer.

Corolla Type

Rosaceous

Inflorescence Type

Raceme

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Stem Features

The stem of common chokecherry is notable for its variable winter color which can range from brown, gray, purple, to red. It typically has a smooth texture in younger stems, becoming more rough and furrowed as the plant ages. Stems are moderately thick, usually ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. Branching is fairly frequent, giving the plant a dense appearance. The stem tends to exhibit a slight sheen, adding to its distinguishing characteristics.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of common chokecherry is a small drupe, initially red in color, which matures to a deep black hue when ripe. These drupes are typically about 0.3 inches (7-8 mm) in diameter, featuring a fleshy exterior encasing a single, hard stone pit inside. The surface of the fruit is smooth with a glossy appearance. Each berry-like fruit clusters in bountiful groups that dangle from the branches, creating an unmistakable display that transforms from bright red to dark black throughout the season.

Fruit Type

Drupe

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Common chokecherry and Their Similar Plants

Sweet cherry vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Sweet cherry is a well-known species to fruit lovers worldwide. This stone fruit varies in flavor from sweet to tart, depending on the specific cultivar. Sweet cherry is also used for lumber and is a preferred wood type for furniture.

Cherry plum vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous small tree or shrub native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is one of the most common wild fruits of its native region, producing numerous rounded, yellow, red, or burgundy-colored sweet juicy fruit in summer and autumn. Cherry plum is also used as an ornamental tree and as rootstock for other Prunus species.

Black cherry vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

European plum vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Prunus domestica is a small deciduous tree and the most common orchard plum in Europe and other regions of the world. It is a hybrid species that had most likely evolved from the wild Cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera. The fruit is elongated, fleshy, and usually sweet. Dried fruits of european plum are called prunes.

Peach vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).

Cherry laurel vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an evergreen species of cherry, commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is a shrub or a small tree with characteristic glossy, dark green leaves with a leathery texture. Leaves and seeds of cherry laurel contain toxic compounds, which can cause serious poisoning if ingested.

Japanese cherry vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

The japanese cherry tradition, called Hanami, where people have picnics and outdoor parties under these trees, is a popular attraction. The excellent spring colors of the Prunus serrulata tree attract butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Its showy pink and white flowers are in full bloom in early to mid-spring, and some are fragrant.

Apricot vs. Common chokecherry: What's The Difference?

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a fruit-bearing plant species native to Asia. Although the genus name, "Prunus," means plum, the fruits of this tree are actually apricots. The seeds are occasionally used as substitutes for almonds because they share a similar shape and nutty taste. The apricot has been cultivated by humans for centuries, and was even discovered in the remains of ancient Armenian settlements.

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Key Facts About Common chokecherry

Attributes of Common chokecherry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 10 m

Spread

4 m to 6 m

Fruit Color

Red

Black

Burgundy

Purple

Orange

Stem Color

Silver

Red

Purple

Brown

Gray

Burgundy

Lavender

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Common chokecherry

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

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Scientific Classification of Common chokecherry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Prunus

Species

Common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

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Distribution Map of Common chokecherry

The common chokecherry tree has a distribution range across North America, growing at a variety of altitudes that include the mountainous areas in Montana. It was introduced to Europe and Australia. It is an invasive species in Alaska that spreads easily, choking out native vegetation wherever it is established.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Common chokecherry

A Comprehensive Guide to Common chokecherry How to Grow and Care for Common chokecherry