Plants and People Project

Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana

"American Indians used bark extract to cure diarrhea. The fruits were used to treat canker sores, cold sores, and added to pemmican. The Paiutes made a medicinal tea from the leaves and twigs to treat colds and rheumatism. The wood was used for arrows, bows, and pipe stems." USU Extension

American Indians made pemmican from game meats mixed with chokecherries.

Chokecherry recipes at NativeTech.org

Cooked chokecherries are used to make juice, wine and jam.

Insects are attracted to the nectar of the flowers.

Chokecherries are eaten by songbirds, game birds, and small mammals. Three Rivers Habitat Partnership

Chokecherry game

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and facts / More facts

Chokecherry