Chokeberry (Aronia spp)

Size: 4-6′ tall 3′ spread

Flowering: mid-late April

Fruiting: Mid-Late summer (fruit held throughout winter)

Birds: robin, starling, waxwing, blackbirds, woodpeckers

Chokeberry is the common name for this Aronia species native to North America. It is most often grown for its ornamental qualities: beautiful flowers in spring, dark-green foliage all summer, incredible fall foliage color (brilliant red) and clusters of black fruits. The fruit stays on the plant all winter until it is consumed by birds — often in the spring by early Robins and other fruit-eating birds. Not bothered by insects or disease,  Aronia is a very ornamental and easy plant to grow. Aronia melanocarpa elata is the species plant. It grows into an upright shrub 4 to 6-feet tall and wide. It is very winter hardy and has healthy foliage that is not bothered by insects or disease. The fruit is often made into a healthy syrup or jelly. The fruit remains on the plant all winter until it is consumed by birds.

 

Another variety, Autumn Magic Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) reaches 3-5′ tall/2-4′ wide. This is a great garden shrub for flowers and fruit. In the spring it has tons of fragrant white flowers that are followed by clusters of large, edible purple-black berries that stays on the plant through winter. This shrub has upright growth from 3 to 5-feet tall . But, it’s best know for its foliage, which turns from a glossy dark green in the summer to reds and purples in the fall. Healthy and hardy. Does well in full sun to part shade and is tolerant of most soil types