Contributed by GB Jones
There is not a species of tree in Alaska that is more impressive than our Chokecherry tree. The only undesirable thing about the Chokecherry tree is its name.
This amazing tree chokes nothing. Just as the Bald Eagle is not bald, and the Mute Swan is not mute, the Chokecherry tree chokes nothing. Therefore and hereafter this amazing and impressive naturalized Alaskan tree shall simply be referred to herein as the Alaskan cherry tree.
A few well meaning but misguided Alaskans have labeled this cherry tree as invasive, and this is very unfortunate for we who live in this great land, as well as for those who visit us!
Our Alaskan forest and neighborhood trees are rapidly being depleted due to insect infestations, forest fires, logging and an accelerated rate of climate change. I submit to you that this Alaskan cherry tree is not the invasive one, but it is mankind and his tenacity to destroy that which is wholesome and beneficial to all.
The Alaskan cherry tree purifies our air and provides us oxygen while combating emission from our excessive use of automobiles, airplanes and vessels of the sea. These trees enhance the beauty of our rural and urban dwellings. These trees stabilize the soil and reduce land erosion, and provide life sustaining nourishment to our migrating bird population.
Have you ever seen a swarm of Bohemian Waxwings descend on the fruit of the Alaskan cherry tree? If so, then you have beheld a most spectacular event of the natural world. The fruit of this remarkable tree has been partaken of by mankind for centuries and is utilized in the making of jellies, jam and syrups.
It has been said that this tree species crowd and over-run our native tree population, but in the many years which I have cared for these trees, I find that this Alaskan cherry tree co-exists nicely with my spruce, birch and willows which thrive next to them.
It has also been argued that the foliage of this tree species can be toxic to moose, and yes, under some circumstances this is correct. If a young moose is going through a tough winter when food is scarce, and should be forced to eat the leaves and branches of the cherry tree, then it could be fatal to the moose. I submit to you however, that the automobile, the railroad and the rifle are a hundred times more toxic to the moose than any cherry tree!
I would encourage all my fellow Alaskan land owners to plant at least one Alaskan cherry tree within your yard this coming spring. Let this cherry tree provide you and your loved ones with the spiritual contentment it brings. Let the fragrance of the cherry tree blossoms serve to remind you, that in a world where man is being invaded with war, disease and chaos, a touch of goodness prevails within the branches of this praiseworthy tree!
