Aronia melanocarpa
black chokeberry
A small, deciduous, bushy, spreading shrub with glossy, dark green, finely-toothed leaves that turn red in autumn. Small clusters of five to six white flowers in late spring and early summer are followed by shiny black fruits
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Potentially harmful
- The berries are edible, but bitter raw, and this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
- Genus
Aronia are deciduous shrubs with simple leaves that colour well in autumn, and clusters of small white, hawthorn-like flowers followed by black, red or purple berries. These berries are edible, but are very astringent when raw; they may attract birds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil (except shallow soil over chalk) in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or propagate from suckers when plants are dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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