Aronia melanocarpa

Native to the low lying woodlands of Eastern North America, Aronia melanocarpa has small clusters of white flowers in spring followed by round, purplish-black berries in autumn. Despite the common name of 'Chokeberry' the berries are edible and can be used for cooking or making jams, but the fruit itself is astringent, bitter and should be fully ripe before eating.

Aronia melanocarpa is deciduous and has bright green leaves which can turn pretty shades of red and orange in the autumn before falling. An unusual and ornamental garden shrub!

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Most fertile soils. Aronia melanocarpa dislikes shallow, chalky soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: July - August.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Aronia melanocarpa grows to be a medium or eventually large, spreading shrub.
  • Height: 2.5 m (8 ft)
  • Spread: 3 m (10 ft)