Black Chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Black Chokecherry is a small open-spreading native deciduous shrub with an upright but somewhat leggy habit.  The finely toothed and glossy dark green foliage turns brilliant red and purple in fall.  Clusters of white flowers bloom in spring and give way to small black berries in fall that can be used in jams and jellies.  Best fruit production in full sun and average well-drained soils.  Can tolerate both drought and boggy soils.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Remove suckers to prevent colonial spread.  Some susceptibility to leaf spot and twig/fruit blight.  No serious pests or diseases.

LANDSCAPE USES: Group Plantings or Specimen Tree,  Naturalized Areas,  Wildlife Gardens, and  Woodland Gardens. 

COMPANION PLANTS: Eastern Redbud, Dogwood,  Beauty Berry