Maritime Arboretum Seed Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Chokecherry is a hardy native North American tree or large shrub known for its clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and dark red to nearly black fruit in late summer. It is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, and native landscapes, providing valuable food for birds and other wildlife.

Approximate Maximum Height: 10 m
Climate Zone(s): Zone 6 to Zone 9
About the Seeds: Clean Seed

Lighting: Full sun to partial shade. Chokecherry grows well in sunny locations but also tolerates partial shade. Full sun generally encourages stronger growth and fruit production.

Germination: Chokecherry seeds have natural dormancy and require a period of cold, moist stratification for reliable germination. Place seeds in a moist growing medium and refrigerate at approximately 2-5°C (36-41°F) for 90-160 days. For spring sowing, approximately 3 months of pre-chilling is recommended. After stratification, sow about 1-1.5 cm (½”) deep. Germination can take several weeks and may occur gradually over several months.

Watering: Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged during stratification and germination. Once seedlings emerge, maintain even moisture and do not allow young plants to dry out. After establishment, Chokecherry is relatively adaptable and can tolerate periods of drier conditions.

Photo Courtesy of Maritime Arboretum Ltd.