shrub

Common Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

300 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-40 years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves, stems, and seeds are highly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

A widespread North American native, this large, suckering shrub or small tree is valued for its hardiness, adaptability, and wildlife value. It features fragrant white flower clusters in spring, followed by dark red to black fruits and often good fall color. The straight species is a keystone plant in many ecosystems, providing crucial food and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from pollinators to birds and mammals. Its ability to form thickets makes it excellent for naturalizing and erosion control.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

In a naturalistic setting, it offers a beautiful display of fragrant spring flowers, attractive summer fruit that transitions from red to black, and often vibrant yellow to red fall foliage.

Its dense, suckering growth makes it an excellent choice for creating tough, low-maintenance windbreaks, privacy screens, and hedgerows. It is also highly effective for stabilizing soil on slopes and banks.

This is a keystone species for wildlife. It is a host plant for numerous butterflies and moths. The flowers support a vast array of native pollinators, and the fruit is a critical food source for over 70 species of birds and mammals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in sun or part shade; it is not picky.
Dig a hole just large enough for the root system.
Place the plant at the same depth it grew in the nursery.
Backfill with existing soil and water in well.
Mulch to conserve moisture during the first year of establishment.
Allow it to sucker freely to form a natural thicket.

Pro Tip

Plant where its suckering habit is an advantage, such as in a hedgerow or for bank stabilization, not in a formal perennial border.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out dead or diseased wood as needed to maintain health.
Monitor for black knot disease and remove any galls promptly.
Appreciate its immense wildlife value and tough nature.
Plant it in an area where it has room to spread.

Don't

Do not plant it in a formal garden bed unless you plan to rigorously control suckers.
Do not allow livestock to graze on it, as wilted foliage is toxic.
Do not be alarmed by its thicket-forming nature; this is its natural habit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildlife habitat and food sourceNaturalized windbreak or screenErosion control on slopes

Companion Plants

Amelanchier alnifolia Cornus sericea Sambucus canadensis Solidago spp. Andropogon gerardii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Chokecherry questions

What zones can Common Chokecherry grow in?

Common Chokecherry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Chokecherry deer resistant?

Yes — Common Chokecherry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Chokecherry bloom?

Common Chokecherry typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Chokecherry need full sun?

Common Chokecherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Common Chokecherry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Common Chokecherry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.