Mother Nature's Montrose Garden: Plant of the Month (June) : Western Chokecherry

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: Mother Nature's Montrose Garden, Montrose CO

Beginning now (June, 2019) we’ll try to feature a different native plant each month. The featured plants will be appropriate for gardens in the Four Corners states and all will grow in Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden. We hope to inspire you to consider these plants for your own garden.

One of the plants we planted last fall is our Western chokecherry, Prunus virginiana var. demissa. It’s doing well so far, and even has some small cherries right now. The scientific name is pronounced: PROO-nus ver-jin-ee-AN-uh dee-MISS-uh.

Prunus virginiana is native to North America. It once grew wild in much of Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. There are two recognized varieties: Prunus virginiana var. virginiana (the eastern chokecherry, native to the eastern US and Canada); and Prunus virginiana var. demissa (the western chokecherry, native from the Rocky Mountains to WA, OR and CA.

Western chokecherry grows in moist areas among aspens

on the Southern Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado

A third variety, Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa (the Black chokecherry, native to the Four Corners states and the Pacific Northwest) is now no longer recognized as a separate variety. While now grouped with the Western chokecherry, this variety name is still used in the nursery trade for plants originating in the Four Corners states. Their black-colored cherries do look different, and some connoisseurs swear that the fruits are tastier than those classically considered to be Prunus virginiana var. demissa.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: near Dolores, CO

In the Four Corners states, Western chokecherry grows in wooded and shrubby habitats from about 5000 to 10,000 ft. ( m.). They can be found growing in the foothills, plateaus and mountain slopes, commonly with scrub oaks, ponderosa pine, piñon pine, juniper, cottonwoods and aspens. Chokecherries usually grow in soils little moister than the surrounding soils; it can often be seen growing along waterways, moist road edges and on the edges of agricultural fields. Prunus virginiana can be found in 47 out of our 64 Colorado counties and grows wild locally along roads on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: growth form

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: 3-4-year old specimen

Prunus virginiana is a large shrub or small tree. It varies greatly in size and form, sometimes appearing as a 3-4 ft. shrub but, in other sites, achieving mature heights of 20-30 ft. (6-9 meters). Its mature spread can be 15-20 ft. The overall form is erect, with many slender branches. Some plants are shrub-like, with much branching from the base. Others are more tree-like, with a central leader. In some situations, Chokecherries form dense thickets. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for hedgerows and screens.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: leaves

Prunus virginiana is very hardy, and can be grown in USDA Zones 2-10. Chokecherries are winter-deciduous, losing all their leaves in late fall in colder climates. In cold climates, leaves turn an attractive gold or orange in fall, making them a good source of fall color. In warmer climates, plants may retain their leaves well into winter in some years. The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptical, with finely-toothed margins. The new leaves are bright green in spring, maturing to medium or dark green above and slightly paler green beneath. The leaves contrast pleasantly with the bark, which is smooth and dark red on younger twigs and often gray on mature branches. The foliage is a larval food source for Small-eyed Sphinx Moth & Columbia Silk Moth.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: fall color

Like many members of the genus Prunus, parts of the plant are toxic. New growth, wilted leaves, or plant parts injured by frost or drought are particularly harmful if ingested by humans or animals. Domestic cattle and sheep have been poisoned eating too much foliage. Despite this, Chokecherries are widely used as a forage plant in wild. Animals as varied as bears, moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, deer and smaller mammals all browse Chokecherry.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: flower buds

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: flowers

Chokecherry flowers have many characteristics typical of the genus Prunus. The flowers themselves are small, white to cream-colored, with five simple petals (flower parts in fives). The flowers are arranged along drooping, 2-5 inch flowering stalks, and may be densely packed. Plants are very showy in bloom, and the species is often used as an ornamental shrub/tree in home landscapes. The flowers are sweetly scented – with a slight hint of almond – and attract a wide range of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: fruits

Chokecherry is probably best known for its fruits. The fruits are small (1/4 to ½ inch), shiny ‘cherries’ that begin green, then ripen to either red, dark-red or almost black (Four Corners States; Rockies). Even when ripe, the raw fruits are very bitter, hence the common name ‘Chokecherry’. None-the-less, birds and animals relish the fruits. If you grow Chokecherry for its fruit, you may need to protect the ripe fruits from hungry birds!

The seeds (pits) contain high concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, a potent poison. Fruits should not be eaten raw; however they can be cooked to render the fruit non-toxic, particularly when the seeds (pits) are removed after cooking. Chokecherry jelly and syrup are highly prized for their color and cherry flavor. They are one of the favorites at garden gourmet events in our gardens.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: jelly

Chokecherries can be planted fall or spring in the Four Corners region. They can be grown in all but the heaviest clay soils. They don’t do well in soils with pH > about 8. They are shade tolerant and do well in part-shade and under trees. While they can be grown in full sun (with adequate water), they are probably most successful when given afternoon shade in hot, dry climates. Chokecherries like a richer soil than many of our local natives. Organic mulch can be used to supply nutrients – or fertilize with a low-dose fertilizer in spring. For more cultivation ideas see ref. 2.

Chokecherries also need some summer water. They have some deep roots, but also many shallow roots. For the first year after planting, keep the soil moist to allow roots to establish. At mid-elevations (4000-7500 ft.) established plants usually need water every other week from May/June through September, unless rains supply needed moisture. In Colorado, plants may need even more frequent irrigation in very hot, dry and windy periods. Plants should be watered until soil is moist to a depth of 8-10 inches; slow, prolonged irrigation is best (if possible). It’s best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings, particularly in clay-loam soils.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: winter-deciduous

Like most Prunus (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, almonds) Prunus virginiana is susceptible to black knot fungus, fireblight, and several other diseases. In general – and with judicious watering – it is healthier then the domesticated Prunus. But keep an eye out for disease, and prune out diseased wood right away (using sterile pruners). Western chokecherry has a pleasant natural shape. Unless you’re training your Chokecherry to a tree or espalier it won’t need much pruning. But you will need to prune off the root suckers, which can be common in this species.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa
[melanocarpa]: makes a nice hedge

If you’re in the market for a large shrub/small tree Prunus virginiana has much to recommend it. It can be used in a mixed hedgerow or pruned up as a shade tree. In our garden, we are espaliering our Chokecherry along a wall (most Prunus are good candidates for espalier). The foliage is pleasant and the flowers are showy and fragrant. The fruits can be used to make delectable jelly, syrup, fruit leathers, cordials and wine – or left as habitat for fruit-eating birds.

Traditional medicine used tea made from the bark for stomach ailments, coughs, colds and diarrhea, and as a sedative. The ‘tea’, as well as a poultice made from the leaves, was used to treat cuts, sores, bruises. Dried, powdered bark was used similarly. The ripe fruit is a laxative. And leaves, bark and fruits can be used as natural dyes.

Yearly growth of Prunus viginiana - Mother Natures's Montrose Garden

In short, Western Chokecherry is an attractive shrub/tree with many uses. It’s one of those native plants that provides lots of value for its cost – and the space it takes in a garden. If you need a large shrub or small tree, Prunus virginiana may be right for your garden.