Do Midnight Flowering Schubert Chokecherries Need Two Trees to Produce Fruit?

The Midnight Schubert chokecherry (Prunus virginiana Midnight) is self-fruitful. It does not require another tree to achieve pollination. Chokecherries are a minor stone fruit. The flesh of the fruit can be used to create wine and jelly.

Fruit Production

Days with temperatures below 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day followed by cool nights present the best conditions for fruit to set on the trees. The trees typically produce fruit in the third or fourth year.

Features

The Schubert cultivar comes from North Dakota and produces black fruit. Other varieties of chokecherry produce fruit in colors from yellow to dark red. The tree is fast growing and reaches a height of approximately 25 feet. The leaves turn a deep red to purple with age.

Warning

All parts of the tree and the seed -- except for the flesh of the fruits -- are poisonous to humans and animals. Consumption of other plant parts can lead to cyanide poisoning.

References

• Montana State University Extension Service: Growing Minor Stone Fruit in Montana; R.E. Gough; November 2002
• PrairieTech Propagation: Midnight Schubert Chokecherry
• Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development: Prunus Sp. (Mayday/Cherry)
• North Dakota State University Extension Service: Hortiscope -- Questions on: Chokecherry; Ron Smith

Resources

• University of Saskatchewan Extension Division: GardenLine -- The Common Chokecherry; Tom Ward
• Utah State University Forestry Extension: Common Chokecherry Prunus Virginiana