PLANT LIBRARY

Other Names:  Common Chokecherry

Description:

Can be grown as a single or multi stemmed small tree or large shrub; lovely hanging clusters of white blooms in spring are followed by rich purple foliage and dark fruit in summer; suckers will need to be controlled

Ornamental Features

Canada Red Chokecherry features showy chains of fragrant white flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. It has attractive deep purple deciduous foliage which emerges green in spring. The oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall. The fruits are showy red drupes with purple overtones, which are carried in abundance in mid summer.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The small round tart fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Baking
• Preserves
• Wine-Making
• Sauces

Landscape Attributes

Canada Red Chokecherry is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering
• Disease

Canada Red Chokecherry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Canada Red Chokecherry will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.