Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants have a wide range of soil tolerance including boggy soils. Best fruit production usually occurs in full sun. Remove root suckers to prevent colonial spread.
Black chokeberry is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6’ tall and is noted for its clusters of 5-petaled white spring (May) flowers, glossy obovate dark green leaves (to 3” long), black autumn berries (blueberry size) and purple/red fall color. Although it is common in certain parts of its native range in eastern North America, it is somewhat rare in Missouri where it is only found in Stoddard County. ‘Morton’ is a somewhat more compact cultivar that typically grows to 2-3’ tall and to 4-5’ wide. It was selected by the Morton Arboretum (hence the cultivar name) and introduced by Chicagoland Grows. It is commonly sold under the trademarked name of IROQUOIS BEAUTY. Plants feature the same flowers, foliage, fruits and fall color as the species. The common name of chokeberry is in reference to the tart and bitter berries which are technically edible but so astringent as to cause choking in those who try. Fruits are sometimes used to make tasty jams and jellies.
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spots and twig/fruit blight.
Group or mass in shrub borders, small gardens or open woodland areas. Ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Excellent addition to naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained.
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4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
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