Chokecherry
Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767)
Chokecherry (Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767)) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select® variety; suckers less than Canada Red.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767)
- Variety / cultivar
- SUCKER PUNCH®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~10 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- 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 time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
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 Chokecherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Chokecherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Chokecherry get?
- It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.
- How much room does Chokecherry need?
- Give Chokecherry about 10 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Chokecherry grow into?
- 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 Chokecherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Chokecherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Chokecherry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Chokecherry grow?
- Chokecherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Chokecherry live?
- Chokecherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Chokecherry safe for dogs?
- No. Chokecherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Chokecherry deer-resistant?
- No. Chokecherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Chokecherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
