Written By: Krishona Martinson, PhD, Lynn Hovda, DVM, Mike Murphy, DVM, PhD, and Patrick Weicherding, PhD, University of Minnesota

Chokecherry in bloom

Fall leaf color of chokecherry

Chokecherry: Prunus virginiana

Origin: Native to Canada, chokecherry is a widely planted species that has been cultivated since 1724.

Lifecycle: Chokecherry is a perennial tall shrub or occasionally a small tree.

Identification: Chokecherry reaches a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and has an irregular, rounded top, often with a crooked or leaning trunk. The leaves are toothed and usually ovate. The long spikes of flowers bloom in June and the “cherries” ripen in August.

Distribution: Found from Newfoundland to Saskatchewan and south to North Carolina and west to Kansas.

Habitat: Chokecherry commonly grows on open sites with rich, moist soils, such as along fence rows and streams, on cleared land, and bordering wooded areas. It is relatively intolerant of shade.

Control: All chokecherries, and other cherry species, should be removed from horse pastures. Do not plant cherry species in horse pastures.

Toxin: Cyanide.

When toxic: Cyanide is released from the cyanogenic glycoside (precursor to cyanide) after chewing the forage or seed, or wilting of the forage (i.e., after a frost). The cyanogenic glycoside may be present in higher concentrations in the forage of a young or rapidly growing plant.

Toxicity: Members of the Prunus (cherry) genus of plants have varying amounts of cyanogenic glycosides in the leaves and seeds of the plants. The Agucatillo (P. brachybotrya), cherry laurel (P. laurocerasus), black, wild, or rum cherry (P. Serotina) and chokecherry (P. virginiana) tend to have more cyanogenic glycoside in the foliage. Apricots (P. armeniaca) and peaches (P. Persia) tend to have more cyanogenic glycoside in the seeds.

Signs and effects of toxicosis: Animals are most commonly found dead within minutes to a few hours of ingestion of the plant. Rarely, terminal seizures may be observed.

Treatment: The opportunity for treatment is rare. Sodium nitrite and thiosulfate may be administered in an attempt to treat cyanide toxicity.

Other information: The fruit of chokecherry (and other cherry species) is not poisonous to humans and is commonly used for making jams, jellies, pies, sauces, and wines.

Thanks to the following fact sheet reviewers: Ron Genrick, Assurance Feeds and Harlan Anderson, DVM. Photos provided by Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota.

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