(Black Chokecherry)
Prunus viriginiana, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8823
Prunus viriginiana, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8793
Prunus viriginiana, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8811
Prunus viriginiana, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8802
| Scientific Name | Prunus virginiana var. demissa or Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PRVID or PRVIM |
| Common Name | Western Chokecherry or Black Chokecherry | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 529893 or 529894 |
| Family | Rosaceae (Rose) | SEINet Reference |
demissa or melanocarpa |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4000 to 10500 ft.); rocky slopes, open forests, canyon, along streams. Plant: Shrub up to 11 feet tall; stems and branches without spines/prickles; newer stems reddish. Leaves: Alternate, deciduous leaves, obovate to elliptic, dark green, smooth upper surfaces with toothed edges; lower surfaces of v. demissa smooth or with short, fine hairs; small hairs along veins of lower surfaces of v. melanocarpa. Inflorescence: Racemes 1-1/2 to 4 inches long of small white flowers less than 1/2-inch across on short, hairy pedicels, each blossom with 5 white petals. Bloom Period: April to June. Fruit: Open clusters of red to black berries (drupes), each about 0.4-inch in diameter. Note: V. demissa is the ITIS-accepted name, however the literature does not place this variety in Colorado. Other authorities (below) recognize v. melanocarpa as the only variety present in Colorado. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and "Rocky Mountain Plants" by Nelson and Williams. |
BONAP Distribution Map
 var. demissa Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains