Chokecherry (common) - wildlife habitat

Home \| Search
T o Forage Publications

Chokecherry (Common) (Prunus virginiana)

Habitat Management Suggestions for Selected Wildlife Species
By R.J. Mackie, R.F. Batchelor, M.E. Majerus, J.P. Weigand, and V.P. Sundberg

Description:

Common chokecherry is a deciduous, winterhardy, drought-resistant, native, medium shrub or small tree. It grows along water courses and on hillsides in the grassland-ponderosa pine and drier Douglas fir zones. On the most favorable soils it will grow to a height of 20 feet. The laves are alternate, simple, finely and sharply serrate, and 2 to 6 inches long with prominent glands on the petiole. The plants bloom in May with white flowers borne in dense clusters at the ends of young, leafy branches. Four- to 6-inch clusters of roundish fruits develop, which are about 3/8 inch in diameter and black or reddish when ripe.

Adaptation:

Chokecherry is adapted to a wide range of soils. It does best on moist sites, but grows well on dryland, especially where there is little to no competing vegetation. The plants have a low tolerance to alkali.

Establishment:

Planting stock should be one or two years old with one or less transplantations, and 12 to 24 inches tall. In-row spacing should be 2 to 4 feet to provide optimum density for wildlife.

Management and Care:

Virus-X disease and black knot can cause serious mortality or injury to plants. There are no known serious insect problems. New growth from suckering should be protected to allow the formation of thickets that provide high quality cover and optimum food for wildlife.

Uses:

Common chokecherries are among the most important plants for wildlife food and cover. The thicket-forming growth provides cover for songbird nesting, bird loafing and roosting, and animal loafing and bedding. It is relished by a number of wildlife species. Sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and wild turkey eat the fruit and buds. Songbirds, such as grosbeaks, jays, thrushes and waxwings, relish the fruit. Fox, rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, bears and squirrels eat the fruit, bark or wood. The buds, twigs and foliage are heavily browsed by mule and white-tailed deer.

The fruit is commonly used for making jam, jelly, syrup and wine. It is also one of the many berries used by the Indians to make pemmican.

(Top)

Common chokecherries are among the most important plants for wildlife food and cover.