Chokecherry

The fruit is edible and sometimes used in the preparation of jams or jellies, its astringent taste notwithstanding. However, the fruit pits contain cyanogenic compounds (like amygdaline). It is therefore recommended that the fruit not be consumed in large quantities, or raw.

The bitter-almond smell given off by the broken bark reveals the presence of cyanhydric acid, a compound that, under the action of stomach enzymes, is a dangerous poison for humans.

The chokecherry can be used as part of forest management projects, mainly for its ability to establish itself quickly and to provide food and shelter to pollinating insects and to birds.