Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana demissa)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Prunus virginiana demissa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.6 m (11ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it can also be dried and is then quite nice raw. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A cherry-like flavour, it can also be dried and is then quite nice raw.; The fruit can also be made into syrup, jams, jellies etc.; Various native North American Indian tribes ground the fruit, seeds and all, into a paste and dried them into cakes which were later soaked in water, mixed with flour and sugar and used as a sauce.

Habitat & North American Range

Prairies and valleys. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)