Prunus virginiana, June 9, 2022
Common & scientific name
Chokecherry, Prunus virginiana
Family
Rose, Rosaceae
Location
Roadside, 8,600’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
So named because of its berries’ bitter flavor—and indeed their seeds contain cyanide—Chokecherry is popularly used to make jam, and was a staple of Native American diets, as cooking rids the fruit of its cyanide and bitter taste.