Cherry, Wild Virginia Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), potted plant, organic

Family:  Rose (Rosaceae)

Hardy to Zones 2 to 8

(Chokecherry, Eastern Ecotype)  Deciduous woody shrub to 12 feet tall native to the Eastern US and Canada, flowering white, giving way to clusters of ruby fruits that are good for wildlife and humans to eat.  Ripe fruits very strong cherry flavor, sweet.  Plant prefers shade to sun and rich, moist to mesic soils.  Leaves a source of hydrocyanic acid that can be toxic to ruminants–do not allow goats and horses, etc. to eat this plant.  Traditional medicinal use of the berries and inner bark (Native American, TWM):  decongestant and antispasmodic used for treating sore throat, colds, fevers and especially cough.  Dried de-seeded fruits a common ingredient of pemmican.  Excellent on cereal or as an ingredient in baked goods.  The tree is a good choice for shelterbelts with high value for wildlife, food and medicine. Place bushes 10 feet apart.

Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown