Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana)
18-24"
Choke Cherry is a small deciduous tree or large shrub featuring clusters of cup‑shaped, fragrant white flowers in mid‑spring. The blooms are followed by pea‑sized berries that ripen to dark purple or black in August, attracting birds such as American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and Catbirds, along with various finches, grosbeaks, thrushes, and warblers. Choke Cherry is edible for humans too, but it earned its name because it is highly astringent and difficult to consume raw. The seeds also contain cyanide, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Cooking the seeds renders them safe. Learn more here.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial
Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerant of dry to medium moisture soils
Key Features:
Bloom Period: In mid‑spring in elongated clusters of white flowers.
Mature size: 20 - 30 feet tall
Wildlife value: Berries provide food for many bird and mammal species; flowers attract pollinators.
Plant Care:
*Do not plant under power lines. Plant in full sun to part shade on soils that are alkaline, clayey or dry to medium in moisture. Because it may form suckers or colonies, remove unwanted shoots if you want a single‑tree specimen. Monitor for insect and disease issues (e.g., black knot, tent caterpillars) and provide adequate spacing when used in windbreaks or wildlife screens.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana)
18-24"
Choke Cherry is a small deciduous tree or large shrub featuring clusters of cup‑shaped, fragrant white flowers in mid‑spring. The blooms are followed by pea‑sized berries that ripen to dark purple or black in August, attracting birds such as American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and Catbirds, along with various finches, grosbeaks, thrushes, and warblers. Choke Cherry is edible for humans too, but it earned its name because it is highly astringent and difficult to consume raw. The seeds also contain cyanide, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Cooking the seeds renders them safe. Learn more here.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial
Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerant of dry to medium moisture soils
Key Features:
Bloom Period: In mid‑spring in elongated clusters of white flowers.
Mature size: 20 - 30 feet tall
Wildlife value: Berries provide food for many bird and mammal species; flowers attract pollinators.
Plant Care:
*Do not plant under power lines. Plant in full sun to part shade on soils that are alkaline, clayey or dry to medium in moisture. Because it may form suckers or colonies, remove unwanted shoots if you want a single‑tree specimen. Monitor for insect and disease issues (e.g., black knot, tent caterpillars) and provide adequate spacing when used in windbreaks or wildlife screens.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
