Chokecherry has an enormous native range -- from Maine to California.  Its fragrant white flowers appear in long clusters in spring, and its purple berries can be harvested in late summer for jams and pies.
 
     Like all Prunus, Chokecherry is a top tree for birds, hosting hundreds of caterpillars including the Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Red-spotted Purple.  Another common name for this tree is Virginia Bird Cherry.
 
     Chokecherry tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, as long as it's not too wet, and makes a great specimen or addition to a natural area.