The Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa 'black', is an open,
upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, deciduous shrub
which typically grows 3-6’ tall. It displays 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 technically edible, the fruits are extremely tart and
bitter, and are not recommended for eating off the bush. Attractive
fall color and fruit give this shrub good ornamental value for a
shrub border. Its ability to withstand wet conditions makes it
suitable for growing along ponds, streams or water gardens. Easily
grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part
shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils. Best fruit production occurs
in full sun. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies.
About the Chokeberry - Red:
The Red Chockecherry, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima',
cultivar is a deciduous shrub which typically grows slowly to 6-8'
tall and is perhaps most noted for its attractive glossy red berries
and red fall foliage color. Clusters of white to pinkish flowers
appear in spring. Flowers are followed by abundant glossy red fruits
(3/8" diameter) which appear in dense clusters along the branches.
Fruits ripen in late summer and persist throughout fall and well
into winter. The glossy, dark green turns bright red in autumn.
'Brilliantissima' primarily differs from
the species by being more compact, producing more lustrous foliage
with superior red fall color and producing larger, glossier and more
abundant fruit. Common name is in reference to the tart and bitter
berries. which are so astringent they cause choking in those who try
to eat them. The ability to withstand wet conditions makes it
suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Also
effective in naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth
habit does not need to be restrained. Easily grown in average,
medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It has a
wide range of soil tolerance including boggy soils. Best fruit
production usually occurs in full sun.
Acai
Berry
