Amur Chokecherry
Prunus maackii
Amur Chokecherry (Prunus maackii) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Root diseases if too wet; Susceptible to frost cracking.
medium water25–35 ft tall and 15–25 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus maackii
- Variety / cultivar
- Amur
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 25–35 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessIts cold trouble here is frost cracking; winter sun warms the bark, then a hard freeze splits it, so wrap the young trunk and shade the south side.
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Amur Chokecherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Amur Chokecherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Amur Chokecherry get?
- It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Amur Chokecherry need?
- Give Amur Chokecherry about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Amur Chokecherry grow into?
- Amur Chokecherry typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Amur Chokecherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Amur Chokecherry is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Its cold trouble here is frost cracking; winter sun warms the bark, then a hard freeze splits it, so wrap the young trunk and shade the south side.
- How much water does Amur Chokecherry need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Amur Chokecherry grow?
- Amur Chokecherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Amur Chokecherry live?
- Amur Chokecherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Amur Chokecherry safe for dogs?
- No. Amur Chokecherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Amur Chokecherry deer-resistant?
- No. Amur Chokecherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Amur Chokecherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Amur Chokecherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
