Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Estimated Height at Pickup: 2-3’, 3 gal
This lovely, hardy, and reasonably sized shrub is an excellent foundation plant for native plantings! White spring flowers, showy fall color, and conspicuous purple/black late summer berries have made it a favorite of beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.
Berries are edible and high in antioxidants, enough so that they are semi-frequently grown as a crop. (Though the author recommends mixing only a couple berries in a smoothie or a batch of jam if desired as most do not prefer the flavor, hence the plant’s common name.)
Pollination: Self pollinating.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry
Soil Type: Adaptable
Height: 3’-8’
Width: 3’-8’
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May
Fruit: Blue/black berries mature in fall.
Fall Color: Orange, Red, Purple
Root Type: Taproot
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly small bees. Hosts the coral hairstreak butterfly, and the praeclara underwing and blueish spring moths. Berries are eaten by a variety of animals such as grouse, waxwings, fox, and squirrels. Commonly browsed by mammals.