Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a native deciduous shrub with an upright, open-spreading habit. Glossy, finely toothed dark green leaves turn brilliant red and purple in fall.

Clusters of white flowers bloom in spring, followed by small black berries in fall that can be used in jams and jellies. Native to eastern North America, including northern Georgia, this shrub suits wildlife gardens and naturalized plantings.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub
• Origin: Eastern North America; northern Georgia native
• Mature size: 3–6 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best fruit production in full sun
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates drought and boggy conditions
• Flowers: White clusters in spring
• Fruit: Small black berries in fall
• Fall foliage: Red and purple

Care and garden use

Remove suckers to prevent colonial spread where it is unwanted. Watch for leaf spot and twig or fruit blight.

Use as a specimen shrub, in grouped plantings, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, or woodland gardens. Pair with eastern redbud, dogwood, or beautyberry for seasonal contrast.

Image credits: Babij, IMGP6256 Aronia melanocarpa - Aronia czarnoowocowa; Cranbrook Science, Black Chokeberry; F. D. Richard, Aronia melanocarpa () 2019 photo; Joanna Boisse, Atlas roslin pl Aronia czarna 3050 6388, CC BY-SA 4.0; W.carter, Aronia leaves on a rainy autumn day in Tuntorp 7, CC BY-SA 4.0; W.carter, Aronia leaves on a rainy autumn day in Tuntorp 2, CC BY-SA 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.