Black Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa)

Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa is the black fruited chokecherry is a naturally growing prairie variety.  These grow all around our nursery in the understory along with aspen, saksatoon and wild raspberry.

The wild genetics have fruit that is still large but slightly smaller than selections like Garrington.  Plants are generally more compact, often maturing between around 12 feet, and they spread to form dense stands.  The fruit will hang on into early winter for wildlife.  The genetics are especially tough, adapted to poor soils, drought and cold.  We've been experimenting with them as a plum rootstock because of their adaptability to our sandy soil.  Compared to the related eastern chokecherry, which grows taller and often has dark red fruit, the black fruit chokecherry stays lower, denser.   They're generally less astringent and better tasting fresh off the tree especially in the fall. 

Hardiness Zone: 3
Stratification Required: 3–4 months