Chokeberry

Common Name: Chokeberry
Scientific Name Genus: Aronia
Family Name: Rosaceae

Cultural Comments

Grows well in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, even wet soils.

Native Habitat

Eastern North America.

Growth Habit

The form is vase shaped, reaching 6-10' tall and 3-6' wide. Can be suckering.

Leaves

Glossy, dark green above and pubescent graysih-green underside. Leaves grow up to 3.5" long with an elliptic shape. Fall color is generally a bright red, can have a mix of oranges.
chokeberry

Flowers

Corymbs of small white or light pink five petaled flowers. Spring
Aronia arbutifolia flower

Fruit

Clusters of glossy red fruits in fall persisting into winter.
Aronia arbutifolia fruit
Aronia arbutifolia fruit

Bloom Time

Spring - May

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, twig blight and fruit blight.

Varieties or Cultivars

Brilliantissima: more compact - 6-8 foot tall - better red fall color and larger and more abundant fruit in fall.

Landscape Uses

Good in mass in the shrub border. Tolerance of wet conditions make it a good choice for rain gardens, wet areas, or near ponds. Native. Natural look with vase shape and colonizing habit. Needs maintenance for a tidier look.