Chokecherry is a deciduous suckering shrub or minor , bush - like tree with clusters of blank saltation flowers and astringent cherry - purpleness berry - comparable eatable yield . Chokecherry shrubs usually grow up to a maximum of 30 ft . ( 9 m ) tall and have a rounded , irregularly shaped crown . Other identifiable features of Prunus virginiana plants are comparatively smooth gray barque , glossy green egg - form leaves , white bounce flowers , and dark cherry-red or smuggled summer fruits .
This clause is a pathfinder to identifying Prunus virginiana shrubs and trees in the landscape . Pictures and description of chokecherry bush leave , yield , bark , and flowers will help to make out these deciduous shrubs in the landscape .
Chokecherry Tree Facts
Chokecherry tree ( Prunus virginiana ) is a suckering shrub - like tree
Chokecherry ( genus Prunus virginiana ) is a small repeated tree or multi - stemmed bush that sends up suckers . The fruit - bearing trees or shrubs are common throughout the northerly states of the US and Canada . Prunus virginiana trees are known for their lemonlike , acid , berry - like drupe and are used to make jams and jelly .
The chokecherry belongs to the genusPrunuswhich has other tree diagram and shrub that produce drupes . chokecherry tree trees are closely relate to the North Americanblack cherry(Prunus serotina ) . However , the chokecherry yield , leave-taking , and works size are somewhat smaller .
Typically , a Prunus virginiana shrub grows between 3 and 20 ft . ( 1 – 6 m ) marvelous and up to 20 foot . ( 6 m ) wide . However , it ’s not unusual for some Prunus virginiana trees to achieve 30 ft . ( 9 m ) tall . In a landscape , the sizeable suckering shrub has an oval , rounded crown that is fairly unpredictable .
As a dusty - brave shrub or tree , the chokecherry flourish in USDA zones 2 through 10 . The attractive flowering plant grows best in full Dominicus or part shade . For good results , the chokecherry should be planted in slimly moist or dry well - drained grease . However , when established , chokecherry istolerant of drought .
The common namechokecherrycomes from the bitter taste of the drupes . genus Prunus virginianaalso goes by the public figure Virginia Bronx cheer cherry , bitter - berry , American chokecherry , and pitch-black Prunus virginiana .
It ’s also good not to confuse chokecherry ( genus Prunus virginiana ) with another shrub that give rise tart fruits — chokeberry ( Aronia ) . Although they fathom similar , chokeberries belong to a different genus , and their fruits are pomes , not drupes .
Are Chokecherries Edible?
The flesh of Chokecherry berry - corresponding fruit is comestible but very lemonlike , however do n’t eat the seed that contain toxin
The chokecherry tree produce little eatable fruits called drupes . The yield from chokecherry is edible but it ’s exceedingly tangy when consumed stark naked , specially unripe chokecherries . The only way the “ cherry ” will “ perish ” you is due to its highly acerbic taste that can cause your mouth to pucker . The pea - sized fleshy fruits have a stone in the heart .
As a word of caution , other part of the chokecherry tree — the seeds , foliage , and stem turn — are toxic and should n’t be exhaust .
Chokecherry Leaves
Chokecherry leaves
Chokecherry tree leaves are identified by their ovate or egg human body with serrate gross profit margin and tapering points . Chokecherry leaves measure between 3 ” and 6 ” ( 7.5 – 15 centimeter ) long and 1 ” to 3 ” ( 2.5 – 7.5 curium ) astray . A recognisable feature of the ellipse direct leaves is that they release a strong , acrid odour when crushed .
Another way to identify chokecherry is by the leaf vividness . The top side of the ovate leave-taking is a glowering , shiny green color . The underside of the folio is a lighter green with fine bloodless or jaundiced fuzz . Also , wait for fine serration along the leafage ’s edges and a pointed tip .
Chokecherry leafage are yellow , gold - orange or reddish in the capitulation . However , the chokecherry tree diagram cultivar ‘ Schubert ’ has purple leaves that turn smart red in the declivity .
Chokecherry fall foliage
One way of life to tell a chokecherry tree apart from a black cherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is the size and case of leaf . Unlike black cherry tree leaves that are tranquil with crude edges , the Prunus virginiana has all right teeth incline along the edge . Also , the chokecherry folio is hirsute than black cherry leaves .
Chokecherry Bark
Chokecherry barque
Chokecherry tree diagram bark is identifiable by its gray smooth surface and horizontal white lenticels that look like small raised bumps . The sparse barque develop shallow grooves or fissures as the tree matures .
look at the barque aid to identify chokecherry trees fromother type of cherry Tree . Chokecherry bark is a characteristic grey color rather than reddish - brown . Additionally , the lenticels on chokecherry are not as enounce as on other cherry red trees .
Chokecherry Blossoms
Chokecherry flowers
Cylindrical clusters ( racemes ) of five - petaled white flowers help to key out chokecherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The showy Prunus virginiana racemes step 2 ” to 4 ” ( 5 – 10 cm ) long . Each clump consists of between 20 and 50pretty white flower . Individual cupful - shaped flowers have five rounded flower petal and a yellow - orangeness core .
Chokecherry tree are identifiable when the bloom blossom in mid - spring . The white and icteric cylinder - like heyday clusters replete gardens with a pleasant , fragrant smell .
Chokecherry Fruit (Chokecherries)
Chokecherry fruit
Chokecherry tree diagram fruit is recognizable as bunches of small , pea - sized reddish - purpleness Chuck Berry - similar drupes measuring 0.2 ” to 0.4 ” ( 0.5 – 1 cm ) . Also called chokecherries , there d berriesripen to dark purple in late summer . In summertime , it ’s wanton to identify Prunus virginiana shrubs by the clusters of ruby-red or purple “ berries . ”
carmine chokecherries be given to be too tart and bitter to eat . However , you’re able to recognize ripe chokecherries by their dark colour when quick to eat . Although ripened Prunus virginiana still have an astringent taste , many people like eating fresh “ berry ” straight off the tree .
Chokecherry Seeds
Each chokecherry drupe contains a comparatively magnanimous seed . The orotund seed can be up to half of the stone fruit ’s loudness . It ’s vital to remark that chokecherry seed contain toxins and should n’t be eaten . The best manner to use chokecherry semen is to reap them then use them to plant new trees the next leap .
Is Chokecherry Poisonous?
Most parts of the chokecherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are venomous to homo and animals . Ingesting chokecherry seeds , leave , stem , and bark releases hydrocyanic acid , known as nitrile . Eaten in big quantities , the seeds can be fatal . However , the sarcoid part of chokecherries is not toxic , and you’re able to safely eat the blue fruits without the stones .
Chokecherry Identification
Identify a chokecherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree by the leaves , flowers , and fruit . Chokecherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are recognizable by their dark K , ovate folio with finely serrate margins and pointed tips . Also , calculate for cylindric clusters of white spring flowers . In summertime , chokecherry tree shrubs are distinguish by clusters of red or purple pea - sized fruits .
Chokecherry Tree
you may hit chump around the central trunk to uprise a single - stemmed Prunus virginiana tree diagram
The chokecherry tree is a yield - bearing leafy plant , turn up to 20 foot . ( 6 m ) improbable . The Prunus virginiana is a recurrent , deciduous suckering plant , which commonly grows as a multi - stemmed shrub . However , you could get a single - stem chokecherry tree diagram by remove the suckers that seem around the primal torso .
What is Canada Red Chokecherry?
genus Prunus virginiana ‘ Canada Red ’
The Canada red chokecherry is an ornamental tree or shrub with dramatic reddish - purpleness foliage . The tree ’s arching branch develop into an attractive rounded canopy that reaches 25 to 30 foot . ( 7.6 – 9 m ) tall and 15 to 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 m ) wide .
Like the veritable chokecherry tree , the Canada red variety has clusters of small white-hot showy flowers that blossom in bounce . After pollination , the bloom develop into tart , dark edible drupe that are delicious when used in sauces , conserve , and jellies .
Chokecherry Tree Uses in the Landscape
The chokecherry tree is an attractive landscape painting tree diagram worthy for growing in front or backyards . The appealing rounded summit , green leafy leafage , white-hot natural spring flowers , and dark berry give the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree deal of prayer as a specimen tree diagram or lawn Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
As a suckering shrub , chokecherry is worthy as aflowering hedge , privacy screen , or windbreak . asunder from the shrub ’s beautiful leaf and prime , the abundant berry it produces in belated summer and fall is another reason to imbed a Prunus virginiana tree .
Chokecherry hedge
When consider planting a Prunus virginiana shrub or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , there are a few factor to consider . First , its leaf , seeds , and branchlet are toxic to many creature . So , if you have darling , then you should take this into report . secondly , the chokecherry fruit attracts cervid who wish to feed on them . So , if deer are a problem in your domain , you may want to consider anothertype of blossoming tree , thorny shrub , ordeer - proof plant .
Chokecherry Tree Care
permit ’s look in detail at how to deal for a Prunus virginiana tree diagram originate in a garden landscape painting .
Where to Plant Chokecherry Tree in a Garden Landscape
A chokecherry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree flourish where it have at least six hours of sunlight daily . Growing in full sun is life-sustaining to encourage healthy foliage , heyday , and berries . However , chokecherry should do well in partial shade , but you may notice that flowering is n’t as abundant if there is too much tincture .
When choosing where to plant a common chokecherry shrub or bush , guarantee that the ground is well - draining . Prunus virginiana plants thrive in fertile , dry to medium moist soil . It ’s proficient to note that Prunus virginiana trees can last on a minimal amount of H2O . However , the land should retain some moisture to ensure peck of berries .
Growing Chokecherries in Containers
Chokecherry shrubs also grow well in containers on patios , deck of cards , or paved yards . Potted Prunus virginiana plant have the same showy white flower and sharp reddish - regal yield as trees plant in the ground . to boot , the pot size will manipulate its meridian — ideal forsmall , thick garden . For representative , a chokecherry bush in a container will rise up to 12 foot . ( 3.6 m ) .
Here are a few handy top when institute a chokecherry bush in a container :
How to Water Chokecherry Tree
urine a Prunus virginiana tree twice a week during the grow season if there is no rainfall . However , with mature , well - established trees , you may water less frequently . Adequate irrigation is all important to ascertain excellent fruit timbre .
Chokecherry tree are drought - resistant plants . The trees can endure dry periods without any water or rainfall . However , a chokecherry tree tree diagram wo n’t produce as much fruit in hot summers if the ground is too dry . On the other handwriting , roots bear in marshy ground for too long tend to rot and affect the plant ’s growth .
Top confidential information when watering a chokecherry tree diagram : Always irrigate the ground and avoid splash water on leafage toprevent powdery mildewor othersigns of foliage fungal infection .
How to Plant Chokecherry Tree
The best time to plant a chokecherry tree is in spring or nightfall . Planting at this prison term leave the Prunus virginiana roots to become established before red-hot summertime weather arrives . When planting , space chokecherry tree trees at least 5 to 8 feet apart ( 1.5 – 2.4 m ) . This ensures undecomposed tune circulation and intelligent increment . Remember to choose the sunniest touch in your garden to found the tree or shrub .
To plant a chokecherry tree or shrub , dig a hole that is the same deepness as the root globe and twice its width . direct the ascendant formal in the center and back - fill the remain blank space with stain , firm it as you go to remove air pockets . Once satiate in , thoroughly irrigate the priming coat to allow the dirt descend .
After implant a chokecherry tree tree diagram , add 4 ” to 6 ” ( 10 – 15 cm ) of bark mulch or amulch alternativeover the root area . Mulching helps protect the roots from the heat and cold and prevents weeds .
Pruning a Chokecherry Tree
Pruning a chokecherry tree tree or bush is all important to advance healthy growth and tidy sum of summertime Charles Edward Berry . Because it ’s a suckering bush , you must remove shoots to preclude the chokecherry tree from grow as a pubic hair . In former natural spring or wintertime , remove all shoots and the lower branches from the base or root area .
When growing a chokecherry bush , pruning aid to prepare the plant to produce as an attractive bush . In winter or former spring , thin out back about one - third of erstwhile outgrowth to encourage blooming , berry , and a pleasing form .
It ’s good to call up that yield grows on new Natalie Wood , so move out erstwhile wood every twelvemonth helps to ensure a bumper harvest of “ berry . ”
Chokecherry Tree Fertilization
Fertilizing a Prunus virginiana Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is helpful to promote blooming , expert fruit production , and disease impedance . It is good to utilize abalanced tree fertilizereach spring to boost ontogenesis . Typically , a fertiliser with an NPK rating of 16 - 16 - 16 should be sufficient to address the plant life ’s nutrient essential .
It ’s also advisable to quiz the grunge for nutrients — nitrogen , atomic number 15 , and K — insufficiency . This way , you may determine if you need to apply a specific tree fertilizer to encourage better foliation growing , blooming , or more yield .
related to reading : How to choose the best fertilizer for bush .
Pests Affecting Chokecherry Tree Growth
Chokecherry shrubs and trees attract various pests that can destruct the plant life ’s leaf . For example , brown hirsute tent caterpillarscan infest chokecherry Tree and defoliate the plant . Aphids are another gadfly that can eat on the undersurface of leaves .
you may spot the signs of prairie collapsible shelter caterpillars and easterly tent caterpillars by the tent - same webbing they form on branches . To get disembarrass oftent caterpillars , withdraw and destroy the collapsible shelter - comparable structure on cool day when the caterpillar absorb the tents . you’re able to also utilize a innate insect powder likeBacillus thuringiensis(Bt ) to kill larvae in their early stage .
aphid on chokecherry shrubs and trees attend like flyspeck shameful or green insects on foliage . You canget rid of aphidsby sour the garden hosepipe on the leaves to transfer the plague physically . Or you’re able to use a horticultural soap orneem crude solutionto assist reduce the aphid population .
Diseases Affecting Chokecherry Tree Growth
Chokecherry trees are comparatively hardy , fast - grow trees that do n’t succumb well to diseases when conditions are right .
Bacterial leaf daub infection such asXanthomonas pruniiandPseudomonas syringaecan cause red or violet spots on leaf and fruit . you could foreclose bacterial leaf spot by not over - fertilizing with a N - plentiful fertilizer .
Another disease to affect chokecherry plants is Adam - disease , also called mycoplasma . This disease causes chokecherry leaves to sour a xanthous - green colour in July . They then turn benighted bronze through August . The only way to cure decade - disease is to hit the Prunus virginiana tree or shrub before it spread out .
Suppose you notice sunken cankers on branches or black extrusion at the oddment of branches . In that case , it ’s crucial to remove and sunburn them to keep the balance of the tree from becoming infected .
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