A native shrub producing dark purple fruits eaten by wildlife.

Also called: Black Chokeberry, Aronia

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 1–3 m
LifespanPerennial; 30+ years
OrderRosales
FamilyRosaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Aronia melanocarpa, called the black chokeberry, is a species of shrubs in the rose family native to eastern North America, ranging from Canada to the central United States, from Newfoundland west to Ontario and Minnesota, south as far as Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. This plant has been introduced and is cultivated in Europe.

Source: Wikipedia — Aronia melanocarpa Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Shrub with white-pink flowers in spring; dark purple-black berries in fall; brilliant red autumn foliage.

Similar species. Red Chokeberry (red fruits). Purple Chokeberry (hybrid).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Native eastern shrub with brilliant fall foliage and dark purple-black fruits. Among the most antioxidant-rich fruits in North America — increasingly cultivated for "superfruit" market.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Wetlands, edges

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the black chokeberry is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native chokeberry.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center