Do you know the recent feud of similarities between Chokecherry vs. Black cherry is gaining considerable limelight in the gardening world?
You can find Chokecherry around open woods and streambanks in USDA zone 3-7. Meanwhile, Blackcherry prefers USDA zone 4-9, mostly found in forests.
So, go through this full article to know more differences between the similar-looking cousins, Chokecherry and Blackcherry.
Table of Contents Show
Chokecherry And Black Cherry [Similarities]
Chokecherry and Blackcherry are closely related trees native to North America. Also, both share the same genus Prunus and belong to the Rosaceae family.
- Both Chokecherry and Black Cherry are tree varieties producing edible fruits with single seed.
- The flowering occurs during spring in both varieties, with white flowers that attract pollinators.
- They bear dark green elongated leaves with an oval shape and reticulate venation.
- Chokecherry and Black cherry are useful in treating several illnesses among Native Americans.
- You can find a toxin called cyanide in the leaves and stems of both tree varieties.
- Both tree varieties contain compact wood useful for making different furniture.
Chokecherry Vs. Black Cherry [Differences]
Although Chokecherry and Black cherry share a similar genus and family, both bear different scientific names.
Botanically, Chokecherry is Prunus virginiana, whereas Blackcherry bears the name Prunus serotina.
1. Plant Size And Lifespan
Comparing the plant size, Chokecherry is shorter than Black cherry. Black cherry is a tree, but Chokecherry can sometimes behave as a shrub.
Blackcherry can reach 40-60 feet tall and spread 20-30 feet wide, whereas Chokecherry can go 10-15 feet tall and spread 10-15 feet wide.
Blackcherry has a long lifespan of about 6-100 years compared to Chokecherry, which can live about 20-40 years.
2. Plant Appearance
Although the leaves of Blackcherry and Chokecherry look similar, Blackcherry bears slightly narrow leaves than Chokecherry.
Moreover, Chokecherry bears heart-shaped leaves, whereas the leaves in Blackcherry are oval-shaped.
Furthermore, Chokecherry has a smooth bark with grey color, but the bark of Blackcherry is rough and darker than Chokecherry.
3. Bloom Nature
Although the flowers look the same in both tree varieties, Blackcherry bears larger flowers compared to Blackcherry.
Moreover, the blossoms of Blackcherry are more fragrant than those of Chokecherry.
Additionally, Blackcherry bears only white blossoms, but some varieties of Chokecherry may bear pink flowers.
4. Fruit Characteristics
Both Chokecherry and Blackcherry bear rounded cherry-like fruits, but the fruit size of Chokecherry is smaller than Blackcherry.
Generally, the fruit size of Chokecherry ranges from 0.25- 0.5 inches, whereas Blackcherry bears fruits of size o.5-1 inches.
Moreover, Chokecherry bears dark purple or black fruits, but the fruits are dark red in Blackcherry.
When you taste the fruits, you can identify the Chockcherry taste with its tart flavor, but Blackcherry tastes sweeter.
From Editorial Team
Chokecherry Is More Toxic Than Black Cherry!
Although the leaves and barks of both varieties contain the chemical compound, Cyanide, the concentration is larger in Chockcherry.
Thus, due to the milder cyanide concentration, Black cherry is a safe food choice for deer and other wild mammals during scarcity.
However, both varieties support wildlife as the fruit flesh is safe to eat and tastes amazing.
