Aronia melanocarpa Photinia melanocarpa
Black Chokeberry
General
An attractive shrub that will grow in a variety of conditions. The berries are edible, but are not pleasant to eat. A food source for many species of birds.
Plant Description
Black chokeberry is a medium size shrub growing to ten feet. Delicate white or pinkish flowers bloom in the spring in clusters of five or six. The dark, shiny navy-blue berries grow in small clusters. Foliage is fairly dense, with rounded, elliptical, slightly shiny alternate leaves, which will turn a bright red in the fall.
Height (ft)
6-10
Spread (ft)
6
Soil moisture
Variable, well-drained, moist or dry
Soil types
Medium to Coarse
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
White or Pinkish
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Northeastern United States, extending southwest into Virginia and Tennessee, and northwest to Wisconsin and Minnesota
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Abnaki have eaten the berries as part of their diet. The Potawatomi have eaten the berries as well as used an infusion of the berries to fight off colds.