Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’)

Category: Trees | Small-Sized Trees | Wildlife | Bird Habitat | Dry Site | Mesic Site | Urban Site, Wildlife

Canada Red Chokecherry is a striking, fast-growing native tree selected for its deep reddish-purple foliage and seasonal interest. New leaves emerge green before maturing to a rich maroon-purple, adding bold color contrast to the landscape throughout the growing season.

In spring, this tree produces showy clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. These blooms are followed by small red to dark purple fruits in summer, which are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Growing 20–30 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide, Canada Red Chokecherry develops a rounded to oval canopy with a strong central leader, making it a good fit for urban landscapes, shelterbelts, and naturalized plantings.

The fruit can be poisonous if eaten raw, but can be processed into jellies, jams, sauces, and baked goods, where it has long been valued in traditional recipes.

Photos courtesy of Tyler Mickley