Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a structural shrub with white blooms in late spring, showy fall foliage, and black fruit from late summer through winter. They prefer moist to mesic soil in sun to part sun, growing up to 6 feet tall. They are a good choice for slopes and basins. Species for underplanting include Palm Sedge (Carex muskigemensis) and ‘Little Joe’ Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium dubium 'Little Joe').
Maintenance
Remove suckers as needed throughout the growing season and prune out any dead wood. To promote a bushier habit and to maintain reasonable height, trim Black Chokeberry to about 5 feet tall post-bloom. Japanese Beetles may be a problem in summer.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun Moisture Requirements
Slopes,
Basin Soil Requirements
Acidic,
Clay,
Sand Height
Medium,
Tall Spacing
3 to 5 feet Category
Seasonal,
Structural Attracts
Bees,
Birds Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
April Bloom Color
White Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5