Aronia melanocarpa – Black Chokeberry

General Information: Black Chokeberry is an easy-to-maintain, easy-to-grow small shrub. Wildlife enjoy eating the berries. A compact plant with 3-season interest, Black Chokeberry produces a profusion of fragrant white flowers in spring, bunches of berries in summer, and sizzling scarlet fall foliage. A single bush will produce hundreds of dark purple-black fruits the size of a Blueberry. Leaves are fine-toothed, shiny, dark green, and hairless. This plant is used as a food and medicine by many Indigenous Peoples of North America, and is one of the ingredients in a traditional food known as Pemmican.

Edible Qualities: The berries, which ripen in August and September, are healthful for human consumption and have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in Europe. Try ‘Viking’ for a larger shrub with larger fruit. Berries are fully edible and a good source of Fiber, Vitamin C, and Antioxidants. They may be eaten raw, but are somewhat astringent and are best when dried or included in recipes. Research also shows that the berries have immune-boosting and anticancer properties.

Cultivation Details: This plant is self-fertile. Only one is required for fruit set. Black Chokeberry is a good candidate to attract wildlife and pollinators, as well as functioning as a hedge, foundation planting, or for use as a border under larger shrubs. The berries may be foraged by certain species of birds. Consider netting bushes if necessary. Few insect pests and diseases are known to bother these plants. Naturally occurs in wet woods and swamps. Consider planting Black Chokeberry in dips, culverts, around a downspout, in rain gardens, or to fill in low-lying spots that never seem to dry out.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to partial shade. This plant is quite adaptable and can be grown in most conditions and soils, but prefers moist well-drained soil for optimal fruit production. Tolerates wet soil and periodic standing water. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.