Aronia Black Chokeberry

Black chokeberry is a multi-stemmed, deciduous North American shrub with white spring flowers, dark berries, and red autumn foliage. Its suckering habit can form a broad thicket, making it useful for naturalized plantings and wet sites where room for spread is available. ## Garden character Clusters of small white flowers appear in mid-spring, followed by dark purple-black fruit in late summer and fall. The leaves turn red in autumn and the fruit may persist into winter. Cornell’s [Woody Plants Database](https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/plant/29) lists a typical height of 3–5 feet, with occasional larger plants; [University of Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/shrubselector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=347) gives 3–6 feet tall and wide. The catalog’s existing 3–6 foot values are retained as a reasonable landscape range. ## Siting Full sun to partial shade supports growth, according to University of Illinois Extension. Plants prefer acidic soil but adapt across a broad pH range and tolerate moist, well-drained conditions, occasional saturation, and brief dry periods. They can be used in borders, naturalized areas, rain gardens, and stormwater plantings. The species is native to eastern North America. ## Maintenance Allow enough room for suckers and remove unwanted shoots if a more contained outline is desired. Water new plants through establishment and during extended dry weather; avoid treating occasional drought tolerance as a reason to leave new plantings dry. The black fruit is edible but very astringent raw, so landscape plants are usually valued for their seasonal display rather than fresh eating.