Prunus virginiana (Black Chokecherry, Black Choke cherry)

For a few weeks in May, Black Chokecherry is adorned with a profusion of lovely white blooms. Native to North America , where it is found almost throughout the continent except for the deep south and the far north. Chokecherry is also used to craft wine in the western United States mainly in the Dakotas and Utah as well as in Manitoba, Canada.

* Chokecherry is a suckering shrub or small tree growing to 5 m tall.

* Chokecherries are very high in antioxidant pigment compounds, such as anthocyanins.

* In 2007, Governor John Hoeven signed a bill naming the chokecherry the official fruit of the state of North Dakota.

* Chokecherry is also used to craft wine in the western United States mainly in the Dakotas and Utah as well as in Manitoba, Canada.

* The bark of chokecherry root was once made into an asperous-textured concoction used to ward off or treat colds, fever and stomach maladies by native Americans.

* The chokecherry fruit can be used to make a tasty jam, jelly, or syrup.