Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Common Chokecherry

Description:

A small color accent tree with rich deep purple foliage from mid-summer onwards and very attractive racemes of white flowers in spring followed by small, astringent black cherries; tends to sucker, can be susceptible to black knot

Ornamental Features

Schubert Chokecherry features showy chains of fragrant white flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. It has attractive deep purple deciduous foliage which emerges green in spring. The oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall. The fruits are showy black drupes carried in abundance in mid summer.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The small round sour fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Baking
• Preserves
• Sauces

Landscape Attributes

Schubert Chokecherry is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Schubert Chokecherry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Planting & Growing

Schubert Chokecherry will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.