Common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Also known as: Virginia bird cherry, Black chokecherry
Prunus virginiana, or common chokecherry, is a deciduous small tree or suckering shrub that is frequently mistaken for chokeberry because of their similar-looking fruits. Both plants are notable for their high antioxidant levels in their fruits. Common chokecherry is ecologically significant, serving as a larval host for many moth species.
In This Article
Attributes of Common chokecherry
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
1 m to 10 m
Spread
4 m to 6 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2 mm to 7 mm
Flower Color
White
Images of Common chokecherry
Quickly Identify Common chokecherry
1
Oval to orbicular concave white petals with yellowish sepals, fragrant, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm).
2
Small drupes, red turning to black, 0.3 inches (7-8 mm), glossy texture with single stone pit.
3
Egg-shaped serrated leaves, 1.5-5 inches (3.8-12.7 cm), bitter scent when crushed.
4
Variable colored stem, smooth when young, rough with age, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), slightly shiny.
5
Bark starts thin and smooth, becoming scaly and furrowed, with horizontal lenticels, less than 1/5 inch (5 mm).
Scientific Classification of Common chokecherry
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Rosales
Family
Rose
Genus
Prunus
Species
Common chokecherry
Planting and Growing of Common chokecherry
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Terracotta
How to Water Common chokecherry?
For Prunus virginiana, it's essential to provide water until the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. Aim for about 1000 mL per session. Ensure the top 1-2 inches of soil have absorbed moisture, creating a conducive root environment while avoiding standing water.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common chokecherry?
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What should I do if my Common chokecherry is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common chokecherry?
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How to save an overwatered Common chokecherry?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common chokecherry?
Prunus virginiana thrives best with full sun exposure, ideally for 6-8 hours daily. This range ensures robust growth and a healthy life cycle, contributing positively to its overall development.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What is the ideal lighting condition for Prunus virginiana?
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How can you ensure ideal lighting for Prunus virginiana?
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What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Prunus virginiana?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common chokecherry?
Prunus virginiana thrives best in a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. This range supports its active growth phase, providing the metabolic support it needs for photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall health. Such conditions are typically reflective of its native temperate habitats.
What Soil is Best for Common chokecherry?
Prunus virginiana thrives in soil that retains moisture well, preventing dehydration while allowing excess water to drain. Ensuring good moisture retention helps support the plant’s vigorous growth and enhances fruit yield. It requires nutrient-rich soil, which provides essential elements for growth and vitality. Proper fertilization and organic matter enrich the soil, promoting lush foliage and robust flowering. Soil needs to have a good aeration quality which helps in the proper development of roots by allowing them to breathe. This factor is critical in preventing root diseases and ensuring overall plant health.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize Common chokecherry?
For Prunus virginiana, it is crucial to use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply approximately 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet when using granular fertilizer in the early spring, as this will support healthy growth and fruit production.
More About Fertilizing Techniques→
How to Prune Common chokecherry?
Selecting the right tools is crucial for effective pruning. Use sharp, clean pruners or loppers for smaller branches, and a pruning saw for larger limbs. Ensuring your tools are sharp and clean helps in making precise cuts and minimizes the risk of spreading infections. Be mindful of the timing of your pruning activities. Pruning in early spring is ideal for stimulating new growth. Avoid pruning in late spring or early summer when the tree is actively growing, as this could stress the tree. Always complete any major pruning by the fall to prepare the tree for winter dormancy.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Common chokecherry plant?
1
Harvest seeds in late summer or early autumn when the fruits are ripe. Clean them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place until planting.
2
Take cuttings in the late spring when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy branch and cut a section of 4-6 inches, removing any leaves from the lower half.
3
Division can be done in early spring. Carefully separate a section of the root system, ensuring it has at least a few healthy shoots, and replant it in a prepared site.
How to Repot Common chokecherry plant?
1
Repot your Prunus virginiana when you see roots poking out of the drainage holes or the plant seems to outgrow its current container. Typically, the best time to repot is during the spring or autumn when the plant is not under extreme temperature stress.
2
Select a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A slightly larger pot gives room for growth without overwhelming the roots.
3
Use well-draining loamy soil; this type allows optimal air and water flow, preventing root suffocation. Loamy soil retains moisture while providing excellent drainage, crucial for the health of Prunus virginiana.
Toxicity of Common chokecherry
Is Common chokecherry toxic to humans?
Similar to other members of the *Prunus* genus, the common chokecherry exhibits toxic properties that can trigger adverse reactions in humans upon ingestion. The effects may be severe, potentially leading to fatality in extreme situations, primarily due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid found in certain plant parts which can induce cyanide poisoning. Specifically, the seeds, or pits, residing within the fruits, along with the leaves and stems of the plant, are toxic. Consuming these parts in significant quantities may lead to serious health issues characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. In the most dire circumstances, it can culminate in death. Given that *Prunus* fruits are frequently enjoyed as edible varieties, there is a possibility that individuals may inadvertently consume the seeds present in the fruit, unaware of their potential toxicity.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
