‘Schubert’ chokecherry, with its vivid foliage and pyramidal form, makes a fine focal point. Ephemeral, light pink flowers are followed by abundant, dark red–purple fruit that birds love. (Don’t plant it near patios or walks, as they’ll quickly be covered by bird droppings.) Ask if the tree you buy is grafted onto nonsuckering rootstock; otherwise, suckers could pose problems down the road. —Ron Smith, “Regional Picks: Upper Plains,” Fine Gardening #120
Noteworthy CharacteristicsBurgundy foliage and reddish purple fruit that attracts birds. The species is a U.S. native.
CareProvide full sun to light shade and alkaline soil. Plant chokecherry where bird activity will not cause a problem.
PropagationRemove rooted suckers, if any.
ProblemsTent caterpillars are the primary problem.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Prunus
- Plant Height : 15 to 30 feet
- Plant Width : 15 to 30 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Flower Color : Pink
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.