Chokeberry
Black chokeberry is a suckering shrub that forms a dense colony. It grows clusters of small white flowers in May that turn into black fruits in late summer. Its glossy green leaves turn a radiant red color in fall. It can tolerate periodic flooding or wet conditions, but will sucker more in wet areas.
Chokeberry
Black chokeberry is a suckering shrub that forms a dense colony. It grows clusters of small white flowers in May that turn into black fruits in late summer. Its glossy green leaves turn a radiant red color in fall. It can tolerate periodic flooding or wet conditions, but will sucker more in wet areas.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Aronia melanocarpa
Pronunciation
ar-ROH-nee-uh mel-an-oh-KAR-puh
Mature Height
5 to 8 ft.
Mature Spread
4 to 6 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
mid- to late May through early June
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
eastern North America
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,500 ft.
Performance
There is one black chokeberry growing at the Xeriscape Garden. It has grown fairly well. It has never become overly vigorous through suckering because its growing in a dry location.
Its most attractive quality is the red color of its leaves in the fall. Birds like to eat the fruit.
Maintenance
Prune out dead branches as needed.