About

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia – rose family [Rosaceae]

Height: 6-13 feet (3-5 feet wide)
Light: Prefers full sun (for best flowers and fruit production) but tolerates partial shade
Soil Type: Thrives in wet, well-drained soils and can tolerate flooding, but also does well in drier soils
Bloom Time: Mid spring
Flower Color: White/near-white
Foliage: Deciduous, good fall color

Small but striking flowers: bright white petals that contrast against gorgeous, unique pink-peach anthers. Leaves are tidy, glossy with scalloped edges and white velvety down underneath.

Edible fruits are glossy bright red in the fall resembling clusters of miniature crabapples, turning red-purple in late winter. Salmon to red-purple fall foliage. Suckers and spreads.

Although a wetland species, will thrive in drier soils. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds.

Trader Joe’s sells aronia juice, however the flavor is an acquired one!