The berries are not considered to be toxic and are often used in jelly and syrups. Chokecherry may grow as a shrub to about 4 feet in height. It is found in thickets, along hillsides, and on canyon slopes. Although the hydrocyanic acid content of chokecherry leaves varies, ingestion of about 0.25 percent of an animal's weight in leaves can be fatal. Wilted leaves, as well as fresh leaves, are poisonous.
Hydrocyanic acid inhibits cellular respiration and the animal's ability to use oxygen.
Signs of poisoning begin rapidly, and death may follow within a few minutes. How to Reduce Losses Keep hungry or thirsty animals off areas where chokecherry is abundant. The action of hydrocyanic acid is so rapid that it is usually too late to treat an affected animal after the signs are recognized. However, if treated immediately, some poisoned animals may be saved. For animals in advanced stages of poisoning, an intravenous treatment is essential.