Western Chokecherry

Western chokecherry forms dense, spreading thickets across much of western North America from British Columbia south to northern Mexico, particularly in foothills and open woodlands. In spring (April-May), you will see upright clusters of small white fragrant flowers followed by dark, nearly black cherries in midsummer that are astringent but edible when fully ripe.

Like all plums and cherries, western chokecherry blooms on old wood and benefits from selective pruning immediately after flowering. It tolerates full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained sites.