Native Plants
Choke Cherry
Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry is a deciduous North American shrub or small tree that can spread into a thicket through suckers. White flower clusters appear in spring, followed by dark red to black fruit in summer or fall that attracts birds. It often reaches about 20 to 30 feet tall at maturity; its eventual width depends on how much suckering you allow. In Southwest Washington, give it room along a habitat planting or informal screen, where fruit drop is acceptable. Plant in full sun to partial shade and aim for moist, well-drained soil. Water while it establishes, then manage suckers if you prefer a tree form.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 20–30 ft
- Mature spread
- Variable; allow room for suckers
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Generally USDA zones 2–7
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Give chokecherry space in a wildlife thicket, informal screen, or restoration-style planting. Its flowers support pollinators, while fruit and cover support birds and other wildlife.
Where to plant
Allow for an eventual height of about 20 to 30 feet and a variable spread from suckers. Keep it out of tight formal beds and places where fallen fruit would be a problem.
Through the seasons
White flower clusters appear in spring on deciduous growth. Fruit ripens from dark red to nearly black in summer or fall.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Chokecherry suits Southwest Washington habitat plantings where its spreading habit can be accommodated. Young growth may need protection from browsing.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in full sun to partial shade. It adapts to many soils but grows best in moist, well-drained soil.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water regularly while the plant establishes. Prune to develop a tree form if desired, and remove suckers to keep that form.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Bacterial canker
Cankers, gumming, branch dieback, or collapsed blossoms and shoots may occur.
Help your plant thrive
Prune in dry weather, clean tools, and avoid injuring branches. Seek a diagnosis before treating affected growth.
Suckering and fruit drop
New stems spread beyond the original plant, and fruit drops beneath the canopy.
Help your plant thrive
Plant where a thicket and fallen fruit are acceptable, or remove suckers regularly.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Golden currant
Ribes aureum
Fragrant yellow spring flowers and variable-colored berries make golden currant useful in informal edible planting, provided its suckering habit and regional provenance are considered.
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Ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle'
White Icicle flowering currant offers white spring flowers, wildlife value, and an upright native shrub form for sunny or partly shaded, well-drained Southwest Washington gardens.
Explore this plantFlowering currant
Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'
A native flowering currant with spring red blooms for hummingbirds, an upright habit, and good drought tolerance after establishment in sunny, well-drained Southwest Washington gardens.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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