Prunus virginiana  is a species of bird cherry  native to North America and beyond. Also known as Chockcherry  it is a suckering shrub or small thicket forming tree growing 15-20 feet tall. Aromatic white flowers are produced in late spring  followed by drupes  dark red to black in color   possessing a very astringent taste  being both somewhat sour and somewhat bitter.  The leaves of the chokecherry serve as food for caterpillars of various butterflies.  It was first cultivated in North America as an orchard crop in 1724. Chokecherry is primarily used today as a food product that makes fine preserves  juice  jelly  and syrup. It is a very important commercial fruit treeConservation uses include plantings in shelterbelts  windbreaks  wildlife plantings  and mass plantings for erosion control.Note: the seed of the Chokeberry is toxic.