Chokecherry Tree
(Prunus virginiana and ornamental cultivars)
Chokecherry is widely used in Colorado landscapes for flowers, foliage color, and berries. It is fairly adaptable but commonly develops black knot, aphids, tent caterpillars, and canker problems.
Seasonal Pest & Disease Calendar
| Problem | Type | Active Season |
|---|---|---|
| Black knot | Fungus | Visible year-round; spreads Spring |
| Cytospora canker | Fungus | Spring–Fall |
| Tent caterpillars | Insect | Spring |
| Aphids | Insect | Spring–Fall |
| Shot hole disease | Fungus/Bacteria | Spring–Summer |
| Leaf spot | Fungus | Spring–Summer |
| Environmental stress | Abiotic | Summer–Fall |
Pest & Disease Guide (Homeowner-Friendly)
Black Knot
Common symptoms- Black swollen knots on branches
- Branch dieback
- Prune well below knots
- Destroy infected wood
Cytospora Canker
Common symptoms- Oozing sap
- Sunken bark patches
- Prune infected limbs
- Reduce drought stress
Tent Caterpillars
Common symptoms- Silken tents
- Chewed foliage
- Remove tents early
- Treat heavy infestations
Aphids
Common symptoms- Honeydew
- Leaf curl
- Rinse foliage
- Encourage predators
Shot Hole Disease
Common symptoms- Small holes in leaves
- Spotted foliage
- Clean up leaves
- Avoid overhead watering
Leaf Spot
Common symptoms- Brown or purple spots
- Early drop
- Improve airflow
- Remove fallen leaves
Environmental Stress
Common symptoms- Scorch
- Sparse canopy
- Deep watering
- Mulch root zone
When to Worry vs. When It’s Cosmetic
When to Worry (action recommended)
- Black knot spreading through canopy
- Repeated dieback
- Severe defoliation from caterpillars
These can weaken or disfigure the tree over time.
Mostly Cosmetic (monitor only)
- Minor spotting
- Light aphid activity
- Some summer scorch
These usually improve with routine pruning and irrigation.