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Chokecherry · Prunus virginiana

Why are my chokecherry leaves curling?

It is less common for chokecherry leaves to curl unless they are reacting to extreme heat, drought, or a specific pest infestation. Check the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects or webbing to identify the cause.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of curled leaves for small insects.
  2. Check the soil moisture to see if the tree is thirsty.
  3. Look for silken nests that might indicate tent caterpillars.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves are curled and distorted, often with a sticky substance called honeydew on the surface. You may see small green or black insects on the undersides of the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.

  2. Drought Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The soil around the tree feels dry and cracked.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply to ensure moisture reaches the deep root system. Apply a 2 inch layer of wood mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chokecherry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Minor curling during a heatwave is usually temporary and not a cause for alarm. You should worry if the curling is accompanied by heavy defoliation or if the tree stops growing entirely.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with consistent watering and monitor for early signs of pests during the spring months.

Chokecherry: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chokecherry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Do tent caterpillars cause leaf curling?
Tent caterpillars usually cause defoliation rather than curling. If you see silken webs in the crotches of branches, prune those sections out immediately.
Will my leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
Existing leaves that are severely curled may not fully flatten out again. However, new growth should appear healthy once the pest or water issue is resolved.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Chokecherry

Back to the Chokecherry guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.