Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa, commonly known as Black Chokecherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones across the northern and central regions of the United States and Canada. It typically grows up to 30 feet tall with a similar spread, and it is characterized by its straight trunk and a dense canopy of oval leaves. The plant produces showy clusters of white flowers in late spring, which are followed by dark purple to black cherries in late summer. The fruit is an essential food source for various wildlife species.

Black Chokecherry is valued for its ornamental flowers, wildlife benefits, and adaptability to different soil types. It is often used in naturalized plantings, as a windbreak, and in wildlife gardens. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and is tolerant of a range of soil conditions, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to pests like tent caterpillars and diseases such as black knot. Gardeners should be aware that the seeds of the fruit contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.CC BY-SA 4.0