Choke Cherry

Choke Cherry
(Prunus virginiana)

Form:

Deciduous, scraggly shrub 3-12 feet tall. Trunks twisted or

crooked, bark smooth, dark reddish to greyish brown, without horizontal slits.

Leaves:

Thin elliptical blades tapering at both ends. Fine toothed edges,

and sharp pointed tip. Dark green above, greenish below.

Flowers:

Small and white, saucer-shaped with 5 rounded petals, in long

clusters at branch tips that resemble bottle brushes, faintly scented. Fruit : pendant clusters of shiny, red to purple or black berries, edible.

Habitat:

East of Cascades, low to mid elevations in clearings with warm

aspect.

Season:	Blooms late May, early June.

Click on any picture to see larger picture.