Chokecherry and wild cherry
Prunus virginiana, P. serotina, other wild Prunus spp.
- Plant type
- shrub; tree
- Settings
- Riparian and wet ground, Rangeland
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Masses of white flowers in long clusters in spring; dark green glossy leaves; shrub to small tree; crushed twigs have a strong smell (ARS, Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Remove downed or cut branches before move-in.
- Keep hungry goats off thickets.
- Recheck after wind storms.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin, prunasin)
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, twigs, seeds; wilted leaves
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. ARS: eating leaves equal to 0.25% of body weight can be fatal. Cornell lists goats.
Signs in goats
Gasping, staggering, trembling, convulsions, bright red blood; death within minutes (ARS).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Wilted leaves after pruning, storms or frost are as toxic as fresh ones; leaves get less toxic as the season goes on (ARS).
Sources
- USDA ARS Poisonous Plant Research Lab: Chokecherry
- Second source (poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu)
Links last checked: 2026-10-31