­­Pwîminâtik

Chokecherry  

Prunus virginiana

Parts used medicinally

Fruit, bark.

Medical Uses

Chokecherry is an astringent and is beneficial for the respiratory system.

Expectorant, good for coughs.

Fruit is extremely bitter and high in Vitamin C; good for sore throats; recommended to eat as jam or jelly.

Bark can be used to make an infusion for fevers, coughs and colds; syrup for coughs; general tonic and appetite stimulant.

Harvest

Harvest through late summer into fall, dry immediately in food dehydrator.

Do not harm large tree by removing outer bark.

Cautions

Do not harvest leaves or bark from ground, three is a danger of fermentation. Do not take in large quantities as it forms hydrocyanic acid when broken down in water.

Climate Change Vulnerability

Low/Uncertain

Factors involved

Chokecherries are susceptible to early freeze/thaw cycles and drought. These negative climate change impacts might be offset by their strong seed dispersal and range of suitable habitat.