Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry – Rosaceae (The Rose Family)

Description Prunus virginiana, commonly known as chokecherry, is a cold-hardy, western North American and BC native shrub or small tree valued for its clusters of small, pea-sized berries, that ripen from red to purple-black in August. The fruit form from white, fragrant, late spring flowers produced in beautiful, pendulous racemes. The mid green foliage is oval to linear with serrated margins and takes on red autumn colour. It is an important larval host for butterflies and moths. The whole of the shrub is an important food source in the wild for large mammals and birds. First Nations used the fruits for food and the bark for medicinal purposes. The fruits are astringent and very high in antioxidants with a large stone in each. They can be used for making jams, syrups, and berry wine. Use in the landscape as an informal hedge, as an accent, and in naturalized settings. Attracts moths, butterflies and birds. Photo: Wikimedia.