Quick answer: Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is native to 44 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Nadiatalent, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Nutrient-rich, moist soils with limestone - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 30 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Fruit feeds birds/bears/moose/deer/elk, larval host for Columbia silkmoth |
New growth, wilted leaves, or frost/drought-injured plant parts poisonous to cattle and humans; toxin hydrocyanic acid forms in stomach. Children have been poisoned and died after ingesting large quantities of berries (which contain seeds)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Chokecherry
Where is Chokecherry native?
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is native to 44 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Chokecherry bloom?
Chokecherry blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Chokecherry need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Nutrient-rich, moist soils with limestone - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay. Mature height: Up to 30 ft tall.
Is Chokecherry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit feeds birds/bears/moose/deer/elk, larval host for Columbia silkmoth.
Is Chokecherry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Chokecherry is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Chokecherry toxic?
New growth, wilted leaves, or frost/drought-injured plant parts poisonous to cattle and humans; toxin hydrocyanic acid forms in stomach. Children have been poisoned and died after ingesting large quantities of berries (which contain seeds).
Where can I buy real Chokecherry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Prunus virginiana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Chokecherry.
- Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
Also listed under
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