Black Chokecherry

Black Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ssp. melanocarpa) is a tough native shrub/tree that brings four-season interest to Utah landscapes while supporting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. In spring, it produces long clusters of fragrant white flowers that brighten the garden and attract beneficial insects. By late summer, the dark purple-black fruit ripens and becomes a valuable food source for wildlife—and can also be harvested for syrups, jams, and traditional recipes. Its rich fall color adds another layer of seasonal appeal.

This adaptable native works especially well in naturalized landscapes, habitat gardens, windbreaks, and mountain-style plantings. Black Chokecherry tolerates Utah’s cold winters and can handle a range of soils, though it performs best with moderate moisture and room to spread. Its tendency to sucker and form thickets makes it useful for erosion control and privacy screening, while pruning can easily maintain a more tree-like form if desired.