Prunus Virginiana

The prunus virginiana, also known as chokecherry, Virginia bird cherry, black chokecherry and, commonly, as bitter-berry, is blossoming.

Its white flowers open on dangling spikes called racemes. In late summer, the small red berries will darken to deep purple, almost black. Ripe for the picking to make my favorite jelly - if you can pick them before the birds get them!

"Our joy is joined with grievous groans,
     our triumph torn to tears;
The branch whose blossoms gladness brought,
     a bitter berry bears."
    (Thomas Churchyard)