Prunus virginiana is a very variable species and has often been divided into forms, varieties, and segregate species. When viewed on a continental scale, most of the key characteristics used to separate these taxa intergrade enough so as to be useless. The most useful distinction is between plants found east of the Rocky Mountains and those found from the mountains westward - although this is still far from perfect. The taxonomic solution provided here is a single species of chokecherry in North America with an eastern and a western variety that overlap in range along a line from northeastern New Mexico to southwestern British Columbia[].
The taxonomic history of Prunus is long and complicated, in part due to the economic value of its fruit crops and also the ease with which some species hybridize. Here, Prunus is circumscribed in its broad sense based on the argument that when viewed on a worldwide scale, the morphologic discontinuities among the segregate genera diminish and they overlap with one another. Included here are species that have at times been placed in the genera Amygdalus, Armeniaca, Cerasus, Laurocerasus, Padus, and Persica.
At the species level, Prunus has been the object of the usual combining and splitting common among taxonomists with different philosophies and opinions. In particular, over-reliance on the indument of various vegetative and floral parts has led to the naming of numerous species and infraspecific taxa. Similarly, too much has been made of fruit colour and palatability in naming taxa of Prunus. It is very likely that, as molecular and genetic data are analyzed and, more importantly, correlated with morphological data, circumscriptions will be redrawn and the number of Prunus species will be reduced[].

Common Name: Chokecherry

General Information

Prunus virginiana is a deciduous shrub or a tree usually growing 1 - 6 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 - 15 metres. The bole of larger specimens can be up to 130cm in diameter. The plant often suckers and can form thickets[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. Selected forms are sometimes cultivated for their fruit, especially on a gardens scale, and these are sometimes sold in local markets. The plant can be used in soil stabilization and reforestation projects. It is widely grown as an ornamental in N. America, and probably elsewhere[].

Known Hazards

The plant (especially the seed and young shoots) contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially amygdalin and prunasin. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The fruits and flowers of most members of this genus generally have low or very low concentrations of this toxin, though the seeds and young shoots can contain much higher levels.
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- for example sweet tasting almond seeds are a major food crop and are often eaten in quantity, whilst bitter tasting almond seeds are used as a flavouring (in marzipan for example) but are not usually eaten on their own.
In general, it can be considered safe to eat any fruit or seed from species in this genus that either have a sweet flavour or are slightly bitter. Great caution should be taken, however, if the flavour is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - British Columbia and Northwest Territories to Newfoundland, south to Washington, Idaho, northern Mexico, Texas and Georgia

Habitat

Rich, rather moist soils, in thickets, borders of woods and on shores[]. Stream banks, fencerows, edge of woods, forests, roadsides, hillsides, canyons, thickets; at elevations up to 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.60 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[]. Requires a sunny position[]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[]. In the wild the plant is found in very acid to moderately alkaline soils with a pH ranging from 3.5 - 7.6[]. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[].
A fast-growing but short-lived tree in the wild[], it has a tendency to form thickets of considerable extent from root sprouts[].
The wood is weak and branches are apt to be broken by ice/snow in winter[]..
Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, and sold in local markets[], there are a number of named varieties some of which have much less astringent fruit[].
The fruit is not very freely borne in Britain[], though good crops are borne almost annually in the wild[].
The plant generally survives fire - although top growth can be killed, the plant generally resprouts freely from the base[].
Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Very harsh, it is normally used in pies, jellies etc[, , ]. Dark and juicy, it is sometimes edible raw when fully mature[, ]. The fruit can be dried and is then quite nice raw[]. The dark red, globose fruit is up to 8mm in diameter and contains a single large seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. Very nutritious, they are added to pemmican[]. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

The bark and twigs are a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

Chokecherry was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, valuing it especially for its astringency and beneficial effect upon the respiratory system[]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism.

The roots and the bark are a blood tonic, astringent, pectoral, sedative, tonic and appetite stimulant[, , ]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of fevers, coughs and colds[]. An infusion of the root bark has been used as a wash for burns, old sores and ulcers[].
The inner bark is used externally in the treatment of wounds[]. A decoction of the inner bark has been used as a treatment for laryngitis and stomach aches[].
The bark is sometimes used as a flavouring agent in cough syrups[].

The dried and powdered fruits are used to stimulate the appetite, treat diarrhoea and bloody discharges of the bowels[, ]. The astringent unripened fruit has been used by children as a treatment for diarrhoea[].
The fruit juice has been used as a treatment for sore throats[].

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant forms thickets by means of suckers from its extensive root system and can be planted for erosion control[]. It is a pioneer species of abandoned fields and cut-over lands[].
Plants can be used to form an attractive informal hedge or screen, especially if the red-leaved cultivar 'Schubert' is used[].

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[].
A green dye is obtained from the inner bark in spring[].
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[].
A purplish-red dye is obtained from the fruit[].

The reddish-brown wood is close grained, moderately strong, hard, heavy. The wood weighs about 36lb per cubic foot[]. It is not valuable because of its small size and irregular shape, but is used for skewers etc[, , ]. When pieces of larger size are obtained, they are valued for cabinet work[].
The wood does not burn easily[, ].

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[, ].
Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[].
Layering in spring.
Division of suckers during the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.