Choke Cherry Tree - Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Prunus virginiana

Introduction:

The Choke Cherry Tree (Prunus virginiana) is a hardy, deciduous tree or shrub known for its fragrant white flower clusters and small, tart, dark purple berries. Native to North America, the Choke Cherry is a popular choice for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and hedges. While the berries are too sour to eat fresh, they can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. The tree also provides excellent habitat and food for birds and other wildlife.

Plant Summary:

• Size: Grows to a height of 20-30 feet with a spread of 15-25 feet.
• Foliage: Glossy green, oval-shaped leaves turn yellow or red in the fall.
• Flowers/Fruit: Clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by small, dark purple berries.
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading habit with multiple stems or a single trunk.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but tolerates poor, dry soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 2-7.
• pH Level: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5 to 7.0).
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches.
• Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to black knot, aphids, and tent caterpillars.

Pollination:

The Choke Cherry Tree is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another tree to produce fruit. Pollinated primarily by bees and other insects, the fragrant white flower clusters bloom in spring and attract beneficial pollinators to the garden. The small, dark purple berries that follow in summer are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife. While self-fertile, planting multiple trees can improve fruit production.

Key Benefits:

• Produces small, tart berries that can be used in jams, jellies, and syrups.
• Fragrant white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Provides food and habitat for birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.
• Hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor or dry soils.
• Beautiful fall foliage adds seasonal color to the landscape.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
• Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained soils but adapts to a variety of soil types, including poor soils.
• Pollination: Self-pollinating, though planting multiple trees improves yields.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, reaching maturity in 10-15 years.
• Max Height/Width: Reaches 20-30 feet in height and 15-25 feet in width.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove deadwood and shape the tree.

Why You'll Love It:

The Choke Cherry Tree is a versatile and resilient tree that provides both beauty and practical benefits. Its fragrant spring blooms attract pollinators, while its tart, dark purple berries are perfect for making jams, jellies, and syrups. The tree also provides valuable habitat and food for birds and wildlife, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas and wildlife gardens. Its adaptability to a variety of soil types and growing conditions makes it a reliable choice for even the most challenging landscapes.

Planting Tips:

Plant your Choke Cherry Tree in early spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular watering during the first few years will help establish a strong root system and promote healthy growth.

Shipping Details:

Your Choke Cherry Tree will be shipped as a bare root plant, carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in optimal condition. Bare root plants are shipped during dormancy to promote successful transplanting and establishment in your landscape.

Key Information for Choke Cherry Tree - Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Prunus virginiana (Prunus virginiana):

• 📏Size: Chokecherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 6-20 feet (1.8-6.1 m) and a spread of 3-12 feet (0.9-3.7 m).
• 🍂Foliage: The foliage of Chokecherry is deciduous, with oval to lance-shaped leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
• 🌼Flowers & Fruit: In spring, Chokecherry produces showy, white flowers in elongated clusters. The flowers are followed by small, red to dark purple cherries that are astringent and primarily eaten by wildlife.
• ↕️Growth Habit: Chokecherry has an irregular, open crown with arching branches.
• ☀️Sunlight: Chokecherry thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to different light conditions.
• 🪨Soil: Chokecherry prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.
• 🗺️Hardiness: Chokecherry is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7.
• 🧪pH Level: Chokecherry prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• 🌳Pruning: Pruning of Chokecherry should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and prune to shape the shrub as needed.
• 🐛Pests & Disease: Chokecherry is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to black knot and leaf spot. Regular care can prevent and manage potential issues.

Pollination of Choke Cherry Tree - Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Prunus virginiana (Prunus virginiana):

Chokecherry flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts. The flowers are insect-pollinated and attract bees and other pollinators. The small, astringent fruits that follow are not commonly consumed by humans due to their bitter taste. However, they provide valuable food for wildlife species like birds and mammals. Chokecherry is a valuable plant for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and edible landscapes. It supports biodiversity by attracting pollinators and providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. The shrub's vibrant spring blooms and colorful fall foliage make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes. Chokecherry has cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, who have traditional uses for the plant's fruits and bark. Conservation efforts aim to promote native species like Chokecherry to support wildlife and preserve cultural heritage. Sustainable landscaping practices focus on incorporating native plants for their ecological benefits and resilience in changing environmental conditions.

Fertilization

It is generally recommended to wait to fertilize a bare root plant until it has been established in the ground and is actively growing. This can vary depending on the type of plant and the growing conditions, but it is generally best to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after planting.

During the first year, you should focus on providing the plant with the right amount of water, sunlight and soil to help it become established. Once the plant has become established and is actively growing, you can begin to fertilize it.

You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one that is specifically formulated for the type of plant you have. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.

It is also important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants, so it's always best to error on the side of caution and start with a lower amount of fertilizer and increase as needed.

Why Buy From Us?

Welcome to our online bare root plant nursery! We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable bare root trees, nursery plants, and garden plants for sale. We understand the importance of having a beautiful garden, which is why we only offer the highest-quality plants at an affordable price.

Our selection of bare root trees, shrubs, and plants includes a wide variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial flowers, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and more. We carry tree varieties and tree types that are perfect for every type of garden, whether you're looking for fast growing trees, drought-tolerant trees, cold-hardy trees, native trees, or exotic trees.

Our bare root trees are superior to potted trees because they are easy to plant and establish quickly, plus they are more cost-efficient. They are carefully selected and grown to ensure they are healthy, and ready to thrive in your garden.

We also have a large selection of seedlings, including tree seedlings, which are perfect for those who want to grow their own trees from scratch. Our affordable trees are quality trees that are sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment in your garden.

At our wholesale nursery, we also offer bulk pricing for those who want to purchase a large number of trees for their own landscaping business, park, or other commercial project. Contact us directly for wholesale requests.

Our online nursery makes it easy for you to shop for the perfect plants from the comfort of your own home. And with our fast and reliable shipping, you can have your bare root trees, shrubs, and plants delivered right to your door.

We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure they arrive to you in good condition. And with our easy-to-plant trees, tree saplings, and step-by-step instructions for tree planting, you'll be able to get your new additions in the ground in no time.

Thank you for choosing our online bare root plant nursery. We are confident that you will be completely satisfied with the quality and selection of our plants. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect plants for your garden, please don't hesitate to contact us.