Common Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Common Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Tree form suckers; best as shrub.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) born1945, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
- Watch: Re-seedsIt sets seed freely and plants itself around the yard, so pull the volunteer seedlings unless you want more of them.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Common Chokecherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Common Chokecherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Common Chokecherry get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Common Chokecherry need?
- Give Common Chokecherry about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Common Chokecherry grow into?
- Common Chokecherry typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Common Chokecherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Common Chokecherry is hardy in USDA 2–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Common Chokecherry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Common Chokecherry grow?
- Common Chokecherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Common Chokecherry live?
- Common Chokecherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Common Chokecherry safe for dogs?
- No. Common Chokecherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Common Chokecherry deer-resistant?
- No. Common Chokecherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Common Chokecherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Common Chokecherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
