Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)

Aronia melanocarpa, also called black chokeberry, is a medium to large-sized shrub found in forest understories and wetter, low-lying, part shade areas through much of the eastern half of the United States. Noted for its glossy black berries, which are tart, bitter, and astringent (hence the plant's common name), black chokeberry is also well-regarded as an herbal supplement for their berries' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aronia melanocarpa bushes typically grow to about 3-6' tall and wide, though occasionally reach heights of up to 10 feet.

Preferring moist, occasionally wet fertile soils, black chokeberry is tolerant of flooding and compacted, heavy soils, but also tolerates drought; black chokeberry performs best in full sun to partial shade. Beyond its berries, Aronia melanocarpa is also well-regarded for its showy, 5-petaled white flowers which bloom from early to mid spring, and its attractive fall foliage in shades of red and purple. Due to its suckering nature and relatively large height, black chokeberry is an excellent choice for naturalizing in woodland gardens, growing as a hedge or border, or for planting in small clusters for fruit production. Beyond the fruits' edibility, chokeberries are also an excellent magnet for a number of bird species, and serve as an important food source to a number of pollinators.