Is this Western chokecherry? - Ask Extension
Was curious if I could get this fruiting tree in my new backyard identified. My freelance, online detective work has me about 75% confident that it is...
Knowledgebase
Is this Western chokecherry? #342665
Asked July 13, 2016, 7:13 PM EDT
Was curious if I could get this fruiting tree in my new backyard identified. My freelance, online detective work has me about 75% confident that it is the western chokecherry. Any help is highly appreciated
Bannock County Idaho
Expert Response
Yes, that is what it looks like to me. Chokecherry (Prunus virginana) Berry color should be darker. I got my BS in Biology from Boise State back in 1976 and was very good a identifying plants in Idaho. I got out my old copy of Fora of Idaho and Flora of the Pacific Northwest to triple check, but really no other Prunus in Idaho is similar. Chokecherry has flowers and fruit in a cylindrical raceme.
There are 2 subspecies of Prunus virginiana. The key factor is hairiness for the back of the leaf. Western Chokecherry (demissa) is larger a larger bush and leaves should be pubescent underneath and melanocarpa should only have hairs near the veins and in axils of the veins
There are 2 subspecies of Prunus virginiana. The key factor is hairiness for the back of the leaf. Western Chokecherry (demissa) is larger a larger bush and leaves should be pubescent underneath and melanocarpa should only have hairs near the veins and in axils of the veins
