Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Aronia melanocarpa or Black chokeberry is a deciduous shrub with a rounded open habit growing 5-9 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Leaves are glossy dark green with the underside lighter green, elliptical in shape with fine serrated edges. In the spring there are clusters of white flowers followed in late summer by black, very tart berries, hence the name chokeberry. Autumn leaves range in color from yellow to orange to red, a good choice for varied fall colors in your garden. Aronia melanocarpa grows best in full sun, but will tolerate part shade, takes medium moisture, and is generally low maintenance. It will grow in wet areas as long as they are well drained. The tart berries can be used in jams and jellies. It is an excellent wildlife shrub offering food and shelter. Black chokeberry is a good choice for filling in areas due to its colonizing habit. If only a single shrub is desired, cut off the suckers.
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