Natural Habitat: Adaptable to prairies, foothills, open woods, riparian edges, and disturbed sites
Foliage / Flowers: Deciduous small tree or large shrub, typically 15-25 ft tall. Spring leaves emerge green, turning deep red to purple by early summer. Fragrant white flower clusters bloom in spring, followed by dark red to black chokecherries that ripen in late summer.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
20-year Height: 15-25 ft
Elevation Range: Performs well from low elevations up to about 7,000 ft
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 2 to 6
Fire Tolerance: Low to moderate, may resprout from the base after light fire
Wind Tolerance: High
Soil Preference: Adaptable to sandy, loamy or clay soils, prefers well-drained sites but tolerates periodic moisture
Alkali / Saline Soil Tolerance: Moderate
Life Span: 30-50 years
Minimum Annual Precip: Performs best with 14-20 in of moisture
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Windbreak Spacing: 8-12 ft
Potential Pests / Disease: Black knot fungus, leaf spot, tent caterpillars, aphids
Deer Resistance: Low, foliage and twigs browsed heavily by deer
Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract bees, flies and butterflies
- Fruit eaten by birds and small mammals
- Supports caterpillars and other insects used by nesting birds
- Provides dense cover and nesting structure for wildlife
