Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Black Chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green, White
Fall Color: Orange, Red, Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

5 to
9
feet

Spread:

4 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 5 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 5 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
8
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Nice small, multi-branched shrub for edge of a wooded area, small garden spaces or to plant in groupings.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Can almost be grown in any soil type, dry to very wet. Full sun or partial shade. May reduce height when mature. Grows poorly under walnut.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Edible, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

Suckering shrub with red, yellow to orange fall color and shiny black berries edible in prepared foods and baked goods. Birds also eat the fruit. Foliage is dark green and glossy. Clusters of pure white flowers in spring. Grows well in poorly drained clay soil. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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