Identifying characteristics:
The choke cherry is usually a large, suckering shrub or small tree that
rarely exceeds 30 feet. The trunk is slender, often inclined or twisted,
and the branches are upright to slightly spreading, forming an irregularly
rounded crown. Leaves are simple,
alternate, oval to broadly elliptic and 2 to 4 inches long. The margins
are toothed with closely-spaced, sharp teeth pointing outward. Leaves are
wider than those of the black cherry
(P. serotina). They are a dull green above and paler beneath
with occasional tufts of hair in the vein axils. White, strongly-scented
flowers are produced in dense,
nodding or erect racemes 2 weeks earlier in spring than those of the black
cherry. Each fruit is a rounded,
drupe produced in elongated, drooping racemes. The astringent but edible
fruit is bright red, ripening to a reddish-purple, without a persistent
calyx. The leaf scars are small and semicircular with 3 bundle scars.
The terminal and lateral buds are almost equal in size and are covered
with 6 or more dark brown, scales with distinctly tan edges. Bark
is thin and smooth (or slightly fissured) and grayish-brown when young,
becoming almost black. As in most Prunus species, lenticels are present,
but they do not extend horizontally. The inner layers of bark emit a strong,
unpleasant almond odor when bruised.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: This is one of the most widely distributed large
shrubs or small trees in North America, occurring from Newfoundland to Saskatchewan,
south to New England, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and Kansas. It
is native throughout Iowa.
Habitat: The choke cherry is a pioneer species usually found on open sites with rich, moist soils. Because birds distribute the seeds, this species is common on the borders of woods, in sunny clearings and along fencerows. Like most plants of the rose family, this species is susceptible to many pests and diseases. The fungus-caused black knot disease often disfigures the trees with black, irregular swellings which lead to plant dieback. Tent caterpillars can defoliate the entire tree.
Uses:
Wood: Although the wood is heavy, hard and close-grained,
it is rather weak and is not commercially important due to the small
diameter and irregular shape of the trunk.
Wildlife: Prunus species are the next most important woody plant fruits for wildlife after the oaks, pines and blackberries. This species is recommended for wildlife plantings, as it is an important source of browse and fruits for a number of mammals and birds. The early spring flowers provide an important source of nectar for butterflies, honeybees and ants. Astringency is removed by cooking, and choke cherries make tasty pie-fillings, sauces and wine. The seeds must not be swallowed, as they contain cyanide.
Horticulture: The wild-type plant is not recommended for horticultural purposes, as it has a short life-span, a suckering habit and is susceptible to black knot disease. The variety 'Schubert' has leaves which open green and turn a deep, reddish-purple color as they age. It is, however, subject to the same limitations of the species.
