Chokecherry

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), offered by Akène

?? A rustic, nourishing tree, essential for biodiversity ??

The chokecherry is a shrub or small tree native to Quebec, reaching up to 6 meters in height . It is valued for its clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring , followed in summer by small red to black fruits , called "chestcherries" . Although tart and astringent , these fruits are a valuable food source for wildlife and can be made into jams, jellies and syrups .

?? Hardy and adaptable , this tree tolerates a wide variety of soils , thrives in both full sun and partial shade , and is resistant to harsh weather conditions . Its dense root system makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing river banks and restoring degraded environments .

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : May to June
?? Height : 600 cm
?? Spacing : 400 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Loamy to clayey, well drained
?? Soil moisture content : Dry to medium
?? Deer Resistance : Low
?? Seeds per packet : 25

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : 15 mm
?? Germination time : 30 to 60 days
?? Cold stratification : 90 to 120 days
? Scarification : Soaking before stratification

?? Indoor method (recommended for efficient germination) :
1?? Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours .
2?? Mix them with a moist substrate (sand and vermiculite) and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days .
3?? After stratification, sow the seeds 1 to 2 cm deep in well-drained potting soil.
4?? Maintain constant humidity until germination, which can take several months .

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in the fall for natural stratification during the winter.
?? Ensure moist soil until seedlings are established .

?? The chokecherry tree can propagate by suckers , forming dense colonies . To limit its expansion, it is recommended to regularly prune the suckers .

?? Be careful when consuming fruits

?? Chokecherry kernels contain hydrocyanic acid , a toxic substance in large quantities .
?? Only fruits are edible after cooking or processing.
?? Avoid consuming the pits and leaves .

?? Recipe: Virginia Cherry Jelly

?? Ingredients :

• 1 kg of Virginia cherries (very ripe)
• 750 ml of water
• 500 g sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

?? Preparation :
1?? Simmer the cherries with the water for 20 minutes , then filter to collect the juice.
2?? Add the sugar and lemon juice to the filtered liquid.
3?? Heat over medium heat until it reaches 105°C (or until the jelly sets).
4?? Pour into sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator.

?? Perfect on toast, with cheese or as a topping for desserts!

Ecological roles and utilities

?? An asset for pollinators : Its nectar-rich spring flowers attract bees and butterflies .
?? A food resource for wildlife : Its fruits are prized by more than 70 species of birds and several small mammals.
?? A host plant for some butterflies , including the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) .
?? A soil stabilizer : Useful for disturbed environments, banks and windbreak hedges .

Companion plants

?? Saskatoon berry, elderberry, red oak, white spruce

Enemy plants

?? None known

Why grow chokecherry?

?? A native tree with spectacular flowering
?? A valuable food source for wildlife
?? Edible and flavorful wild fruits
?? A resilient tree, ideal for ecological restoration

?? Add the chokecherry tree to your garden for a natural and living landscape!