Chokecherry (Prunus serotina)

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a large shrub in the cherry family that produces an astringent fruit known to be eaten by over 70 birds species and act as a larval host to over a dozen butterfly and moth species.  It is also commonly used to make jams and syrups.  

These seeds were collected from an extremely productive local specimen that produces the dark red, almost black fruit.

Seed orders are shipped in the fall (November).

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Seed Source(s): New Brunswick

Collection Year: 2021

Hardiness (Canada): 2

Seed Storage:  Refrigerate dry seeds in plastic bag for long term storage.

Germination Instructions: Choke cherry requires cold stratification for germination.

Soak stored seeds in water for 24 hours, then drain and mix them with slightly moist peat moss and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 90 days.

Alternatively they can be direct sown outdoors in the fall where nature performs the cold stratification for you. This option requires more protection from rodents!