Aronia melanocarpa
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: black chokeberry
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Eastern North America
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Fruit: Showy Fruit, Edible Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Uses: Hedge, Rain Garden, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils, including both dry and boggy soils. Best fruit production occurs in full sun. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Black chokeberry is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, deciduous shrub which typically grows 3-6' (infrequently to 9') tall. Features clusters of 5-petaled, white flowers in spring which are followed in early autumn by blackish purple, blueberry-sized fruits which usually do not persist into winter. Lustrous, dark green foliage turns an attractive purplish red in autumn. Although relatively common in certain parts of Eastern North America, it is endangered in Missouri (known only to exist in southeastern Stoddard County). Although technically edible, the fruits are extremely tart and bitter, and are not recommended for eating off the bush (hence the common name of chokeberry), but may be used for making tasty jams and jellies.

Problems

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

Garden Uses

Spring flowers and attractive fall color and fruit give this shrub good ornamental value for the shrub border. Also effective grouped or massed in native plant gardens, open woodland or naturalized areas where its colonial growth habit need not be restricted. Ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing along ponds, streams or water gardens.

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