Chokecherry
Chokecherries can be used for jams, jellies, pies, sauces and wines. They attract butterflies, birds and bees and are drought & pollution tolerant.
Prunus virginiana aka Common Chokecherry, Western Chokecherry and Virginia Chokecherry. Cherries can be used for jams, jellies, pies, sauces and wines. Attracts butterflies, birds and bees. Drought and pollution tolerant.
Chokecherry Characteristics
Leaves: Leaves are dark green above, grayish green beneath. Great fall colour.
Stem/Bark: Smooth gray bark, not showy.
Flower: Attractive white flowers in late April-May.
Fruit/Nut: Fruit is red turning dark purple.
Habit: Slow growing, small suckering tree or large shrub with crooked branches and
slender twigs forming an oval-rounded crown.
Hardiness: Zone 2
Height: 20’ – 30’
Width: 18’ – 25’
Why grow native plants?
A native plant is defined as a species of fauna that was already established before colonization. There are numerous benefits to the use of Native Plants. Native plants have grown and evolved in a given area for generations and therefore are more prepared to face the elements. As a result they are much hardier and less finicky to care for. The wildlife in the area has also evolved along side these plants, and because of this has formed bonds with them. Most butterflies have a specific plant species from which they collect nectar for their offspring. There are many birds that will feed directly from local trees for seed, nectar or fruit, but won’t use the bird feeder you’ve bought to attract them. These plants also work together to grow as natural plant communities. Most of the trees won’t grow their leaves until after the wildflowers have had an adequate amount of time to flower before they’re covered by shade. Finally, of course, there is the fact that all of these plants and animals combine to make a sustainable, complete, functioning ecosystem. Why fight thousands of years of evolution?
Have questions about native plants? Post a comment and Ian will get back to you.