Life History and Disturbance Response of Prunus virginiana (Common Chokecherry)
Family: Rosaceae
Guild: pioneer, short-lived, fast growing
Functional Lifeform: small deciduous tree
Ecological Role: This is a small pioneer species, found in moist open sites, along fencerows, roadsides and forest edges. It is among the first to establish on cutover land and abandoned farm fields. Its fruit is food for a number of birds.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 40+
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: to 8m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 1 yr
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: spring
Seedfall Begins: fall
Seed Banking: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: berry/50m/gravity, birds
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: root sprouts or rhizomes
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: open conditions required
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Chokecherry is well adapted to fire disturbance. It is susceptible to top killing, but sprouts readily from surviving root crowns and rhizomes. Seeds may also by scarified by fire.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: