Aronia arbutifolia (Native)

Common Name
Red chokeberry
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
12.0
Width (ft)
3.0 - 6.0
Growth Rate
Slow
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: Allen Dupre
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Bogs, fens, seeps, seepage swamps, tidal swamps, acidic alluvial swamps, wet flatwoods, pocosins, and borders of depression ponds; occasionally\ in mesic or even dry upland forests. Frequent throughout.

Wildlife value:  This plant has little resistance to damage from deer. Its fruits are eaten by mammals and birds. Butterflies and pollinators are attracted to the flowers for nectar.

Notes: Suckering. Beautiful white flowers and long-lasting fruit. Very effective in massed groupings. Fall foliage intense, shiny, raspberry to crimson, with purplish highlights. Delicate look. Can be planted in front yards since it is very well behaved. Doesn’t grow too tall or wide.

Edibility: The raw berries are bitter and tart. The fruits may be used to make tasty jams and jellies.

Flower Color
Cream/White
Pink
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Bloom Month
May
Fall Color
Burgandy/Red
Orange
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Nurseries that may carry live plant