Botanical profile

Aronia melanocarpa

Latin name
Aronia melanocarpa
Common name
Black chokeberry
Type
Fruit shrub
Family
Rosaceae

Aronia melanocarpa, or black chokeberry, is a native fruit-bearing and ornamental shrub, known for its abundant white spring blossoms, exceptional hardiness, and landscape versatility. It forms a dense, bushy silhouette, ideal for informal hedges, edible borders, or naturalist plantings. Its dark green leaves turn scarlet red in autumn, offering a flamboyant display. In late summer, it produces small purplish-black berries rich in antioxidants, highly prized in juices, jams, or dried. Easy to grow, tolerant of harsh conditions, and beneficial to wildlife, aronia is a complete plant, perfect for those who want to combine aesthetics, productivity, and ecology.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3–8
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Fertilization
Compost or natural fertilizer in spring
Soil type
Well-drained, sandy to clayey
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
White
Fruiting
Edible dark berries, rich in antioxidants
Foliage color
Dark green → bright red in autumn
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded bushy
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
2 m (6.5 ft)
Width
2 m (6.5 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Chokeberry
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.