Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
There are some small trees in our yard — I am not sure, but I think it might be what is called a Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), as photos on the Internet seem to match the leaves, flowers, and trunk of the tress that I am seeing here. The flowers are small white ones, growing on a raceme as shown below:
![=Chokecherry-01.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVqrC9m3UTXanF7EvxzGkgYrshYHUVmM5fP1yzjkx8gs4/%3DChokecherry-01.jpg)
photo by me
The leaves on the stem are alternate, meaning they alternate on the stem (one on the left, then another on the right, further down). When the flowers disappear, they are replaced by a small berry.
![=Chokecherry-02.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmWJcv59yoEmf3hmCz74HQvTZx3yLK1cBSAPu5mi6iiFBb/%3DChokecherry-02.jpg)
photo by me
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdG49VwvooSYb273Apd6qqD8HNc2TurLMMkxvNDibV7wZ/ChokecherryRange.png)
Strong wind can also help spread seeds, as well as rain/rivers washing the seeds to new locations. Mother Nature is a powerful and awesome force, and I definitely have much respect for Her.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmShyZiTiPvnUdizpWczmtndcywfZM1CtZDqTTB3ZC7EEp/%3DChokecherry-05.jpg)
The bark is smooth, and feels wonderful to touch. They are lovely-looking little things. They're somewhat delicate in appearance, but appear to be rather resilient to the effects of wind, summer heat, and the cold of winter.
Since this area is slightly beyond the limits of their "historical natural range," I am not sure if this would be counted as an invasive species or not. But, as lovely as the trees are, and considering that they did arise in our yard from some, unknown natural forces, I am not inclined to do anything to discourage their growth. I rather like them.
It is entirely possible, though, that this tree is NOT a Chokecherry, but something else, entirely, as many plant species often share similarities with regard to leaf-structure, flower-structure, and other identifying characteristics.![=Chokecherry-04.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW6wKH8rmudycx4fQXaQccNYBp8HNm1oxGCxfhR3QhM1C/%3DChokecherry-04.jpg)
![__pearls.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmYQQsL3qqbyQYsn1rxJ8WuN4e9NBHCt1HrtsaYERFJmzn/__pearls.png)
If anyone knows with certainty about the identity of this tree, I would appreciate either a confirmation or a correction to this post!
![=Chokecherry-04.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW6wKH8rmudycx4fQXaQccNYBp8HNm1oxGCxfhR3QhM1C/%3DChokecherry-04.jpg)
photo by me
SOURCES
1 Wikipedia: Prunus virginiana
2 Reference.com: How Do Seeds Spread?
2 Wikipedia: Seed Dispersal
![elegantPINK-1769669_1280.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmetJHYw8iinNkPWMJahJYrqVJV1hyh4W5egZvcJKEXq2t/elegantPINK-1769669_1280.png)
![__pearls.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmYQQsL3qqbyQYsn1rxJ8WuN4e9NBHCt1HrtsaYERFJmzn/__pearls.png)
Hi @thekittygirl, I just stopped back to let you know your post was one of my favourite reads and I included it in my Paddling Nature Ramble. You can read what I wrote about your post here.
Beautiful photos and great information! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks @thekittygirl, for sharing your post on Pimp Your Post Thursday Discord.
I do not know if it is a chokecherry or not, but what I do know is that it is beautiful. You have an amazing yard and you photos are so pretty! Thanks for sharing sweetie. You got a big fan rigth here Lol
Love this post! Thanks for the info...I've seen these along the river and never really thought about them. Now I can tell my friend what they are like I'm smrt or something. LOL. Have a great day.