Bitter-berry
Prunus virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bitter-berry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
144"–240" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 38 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chokecherry is a native shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by dark red to purple berries in summer. It grows quite large, reaching 12-20 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for larger landscape areas where it can naturalize.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bitter-berry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very large size inappropriate for most front yards
- Tends to sucker and form colonies
- Can look irregular and wild in growth habit
Wildlife value
Host plant for mourning cloak, tiger swallowtail.
The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies in May and June. Birds love the berries, and the foliage supports many native caterpillars and other insects.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bitter-berry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.