Prunus virginiana
Prunus virginiana
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Prunus virginiana (Rosaceae) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native across much of North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia and south to Kansas and North Carolina. It grows 20 to 40 feet tall, forming thickets via root suckers. Dense, cylindrical racemes of small white flowers appear in late spring, followed by small, dark red to black fruit.
Chokecherry grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of soils. The fruit is extremely astringent when raw but is traditional for jellies, syrups, and wine. It is an important wildlife food plant. The cultivar 'Canada Red' (Schubert) has purple foliage. Black knot disease and tent caterpillars are common problems. All parts except ripe fruit flesh contain cyanogenic glycosides. Hardy in Zones 3a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Prunus virginiana has passed 'full bloom' (933 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 838 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 933 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.