The choke's on you

Prunus virginiana, June 11, 2023

Common & scientific name

Chokecherry, Prunus virginiana

Family

Rose, Rosaceae

Location

Grottos, 8,100’

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.