Family: Rosaceae

Scientific name: Prunus virginiana L.

Common name: Chokecherry

Description: This large shrub may reach 20 feet in height and is known to many Midwesterners and Westerners as a source of small, tart cherries. The five-petaled, white flowers are about one-third of an inch across and are borne in attractive cylindrical clusters 3 to 4 inches long. Though tempting to the eye, the fruit is disappointing because it is harshly astringent and is nearly all stone.

Occurrence: Plants grow along streams and in forests in the western mountains and in the Midwestern to the Atlantic coastal States. Chokecherry is a member of the rose family. Other species grow elsewhere in the United States.

Toxicity: The leaves, bark, and seeds of chokecherry contain the glycoside amydalin, which hydrolyzes to highly toxic hydrocyanic (prussic) acid. The ripe fruit is edible, provided the seeds are first removed, and it is used for making jams and jellies. Children have been poisoned by chewing the loaves or seeds. Cyanide poisoning can occur very quickly and with deadly results. The leaves, bark, and seeds of other stone fruits, notably cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots may be high in HCN and also should be avoided.

Symptoms: Cyanide poisoning produces nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, paralysis of the larnyx, spasms, coma, and death.