Common: Canada Red Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Common: Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) 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 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Tree form suckers; best as shrub.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus virginiana
- Variety / cultivar
- Common: Canada Red, Schubert
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- low to 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 HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
- Watch: Re-seedsIt sets seed freely and plants itself around the yard, so pull the volunteer seedlings unless you want more of them.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
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.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Common: Canada Red Chokecherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Common: Canada Red 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 Common: Canada Red Chokecherry get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Common: Canada Red Chokecherry need?
- Give Common: Canada Red Chokecherry about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Common: Canada Red Chokecherry grow into?
- Common: Canada Red Chokecherry typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Common: Canada Red Chokecherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Common: Canada Red Chokecherry is hardy in USDA 2–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Common: Canada Red Chokecherry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Common: Canada Red Chokecherry grow?
- Common: Canada Red Chokecherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Common: Canada Red Chokecherry live?
- Common: Canada Red Chokecherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Common: Canada Red Chokecherry safe for dogs?
- No. Common: Canada Red Chokecherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Common: Canada Red Chokecherry deer-resistant?
- No. Common: Canada Red Chokecherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Common: Canada Red Chokecherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Common: Canada Red 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.
