Unique Features: The Klondike chokecherry is a cultivated variety of the Amur Chokecherry.  The Amur River is in North East Asia and marks the border between China and Siberia. The Klondike is smaller than the species but retains the extreme cold tolerance of the species and quite similar to the North American chokecherry.  It blooms in mid spring with 2” to 3” racemes, drooping clusters, of very fragrant tiny white flowers. The flowers mature to produce 3/16” black cherries with large pits. The taste is very astringent for fresh eating but can be used to make preserves, jellies or wine. The birds love the fruit and will clear it away rapidly.  In the winter the Klondike shows off its exfoliating gold colored bark and brightens the bleak winter landscape. The Klondike does not sucker as much as the North American chokecherry, Prunus viginiana, so there is less maintenance.