Aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as Black Chokeberry, is a tough, adaptable deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, celebrated for its striking seasonal interest and ecological value. This multi-stemmed shrub grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, with glossy green foliage that turns vivid red and purple in fall. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in spring, followed by deep black berries in late summer that persist into winter. Black Chokeberry is a favorite for naturalized plantings, rain gardens, and pollinator landscapes thanks to its wildlife benefits, drought tolerance, and tolerance of wet soils.

Why choose Black Chokeberry

Four-season appeal: Spring flowers, glossy summer foliage, fall color, and winter berries

Wildlife-friendly: Fruits feed birds; flowers attract pollinators

Hardy and adaptable: Thrives in poor soils, wet or dry, and handles urban stress

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade; best fruiting in more sun

Soil needs: Grows in most soils, including wet or acidic types

Maintenance: Very low—prune in late winter if shaping is desired

Designs for your garden

Rain gardens: Excellent in low-lying or wet areas

Hedges and borders: Compact size fits well in residential landscapes

Naturalized plantings: Blends beautifully in meadows and wildlife gardens

Ecological benefits

Pollinator plant: Spring flowers support native bees and early insects

Bird food source: Late-season berries feed songbirds

Erosion control: Fibrous roots stabilize soil on slopes and near waterways