Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) Unity Grown

Aronia arbutifolia, commonly called red chokeberry, is a large, multi-stemmed, understory shrub native to the American east and southeast. Growing to 6-10' tall and 3-6' wide, red chokeberry is noted for its attractive spring blooms and showy, edible red berries. In mid-spring, Aronia arbutifolia produces small white to light pink flowers, which appear along the branches in small clusters; these flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators. In the summer, pollinated flowers turn to abundant clusters of glossy red berries. These 'chokeberries' are edible and work excellently as jellies and liqueurs, and they may have important antioxidant health benefits, but the berries are typically too sour and astringent to eat raw. If you're not a fan of their flavor, or you'd prefer not to do the hard work of harvesting, berries will persist throughout the fall and winter seasons, providing birds and wildlife with late season forage, and setting a striking impression in the cooler months alongside bright red fall foliage and snowy landscapes.

As a forest understory shrub, Aronia arbutifolia grows best in medium-moist, well-drained soils, but is not picky about exact soil type. Though chokeberry will tolerate partial shade, full sun will reuslt in the best floral and fruit displays. Although it may prefer these fairly average conditions, red chokeberry is a hardy and versatile selection, and has a wide range of tolerances, including resistance to acidic soils, salt spray, and seasonally waterlogged sites. Though Aronia arbutifolia is not picky, full sun conditions will also result in a deeper red fall color, perfect for adding a splash of extra color to the otherwise boring winter landscape, but this Aronia cultivar will also be the perfect addition to any naturalized woodland area or forest garden where its visual display may be limited, but its value to birds and small mammals is irreplaceable.