Chokecherry

Chokecherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a wide range of habitats across North America, from riparian areas and open woodlands to prairies and foothills. It typically grows 10–30 feet tall, with oval, finely serrated leaves and elongated clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. By late summer, it produces dark red to black berries that are bitter when raw but valuable for birds, mammals, and people when cooked or processed. Ecologically, chokecherry provides food and cover for wildlife, stabilizes soils, and plays a significant role in diverse plant communities, particularly in riparian and upland ecosystems.