Description

General - shrub or small tree, 1-5 m tall; bark reddish brown, peeling in horizontal strips, with prominent, raised pores.

Leaves - alternate; oval to lance-shaped, 3-10 cm long, gradually taper to long point at tip, rounded at base; edges have small rounded teeth; 2 small glands on talk near base of blade.

Flowers - in flat-topped clusters; white, 6-10 mm across; appear at same time as leaves.

Fruit - bright-red cherries, 5 - 8 mm across, sour; ripening in August and September.

Habitat

Forest clearings, hillsides and riverbanks; usually on well-drained sites; widespread across NW Ontario boreal region north and west to southern N.W.T. and northeastern B.C.

Notes

Distinguished from the Choke Cherry by the leaves. The Choke Cherry has broader, egg-shaped leaves and dense, elongated, terminal flower clusters. The fruit are edible and can be used in the preparation of conserves.

Return to Top of Page