harvesting chokecherry bark

[cherig]

I need to trim some of my chokecherries. Are the twigs medicinal at this time of year? Any advice on how to best get the inner bark separated from the outer?

I asked about this in a post I had with questions about my willow bushes and it was suggested I start a topic specific to chokecherry. So here it is.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Right now would be iffy depending on where you are located. There is a cyanide like substance that flows in this and similar trees. Spring is the time of heaviest flow. It is suggested that the inner bark, which is the medicine, not be harvested until after the fruit is ripe. This allows the cyanide to get into the pit of the fruit.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I agree. If your stuff is starting to bud out like my stuff is, it’s probably best not to use the bark.

It’s fine after fruiting and during the cold of winter.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[cherig]

thanks for the information. 🙂 I will trim and then hope for a good crop of berries and wait to harvest bark.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Patrick, I have been looking for your choke cherry harvesting pictures and cannot find them. Where are they? You should post them here or link to them where they are now.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

IdahoHerbalist wrote: Patrick, I have been looking for your choke cherry harvesting pictures and cannot find them. Where are they? You should post them here or link to them where they are now.

I’ll see if I can find them.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Author]

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