Aronia melanocarpa is a resilient deciduous shrub valued for its multi season appeal. In spring it produces clusters of small white flowers that attract pollinators. These are followed by glossy black berries in late summer that persist into winter and are rich in antioxidants. The foliage turns brilliant red and orange in fall enhancing its ornamental value in native and wildlife gardens.
Height & Spread: 36 - 72 in x 36 - 72 in
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Tolerates a range of soils, including moist or slightly acidic conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture but is drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Foliage and berries are generally unpalatable to deer
Native Status
Aronia melanocarpa, also known as black chokeberry, is native to eastern North America, thriving in wetlands, forest edges, and open woods. It supports native biodiversity and is ideal for naturalistic landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native bees and honeybees during its spring bloom period providing essential nectar and pollen.
Birds
- Berries are a winter food source for songbirds such as robins, cedar waxwings, and thrashers helping sustain them during lean months.
Butterflies
- Visited by adult butterflies including Red Admirals and Spring Azures for nectar in early spring.
Mammals
- Fruits are consumed by small mammals such as foxes and raccoons contributing to seed dispersal.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 36 - 60 in apart to allow for mounding habit and multi stemmed growth.
Landscape Placement:
- Effective in rain gardens, native hedgerows, or as a foundation shrub for wildlife friendly landscapes. Pairs well with grasses and flowering perennials that echo seasonal color shifts.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' - Upright native grass offers fall interest and enhances the red foliage of chokeberry.
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Moisture loving native shrub with fragrant white blooms that attract pollinators at the same time as aronia fruits develop.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Summer flowering native perennial draws in bees and butterflies to complement aronia’s fruiting season.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Golden fall plumes provide a visual finale alongside aronia’s vivid autumn display.
- Amsonia hubrichtii - Fine textured foliage and blue starry flowers contrast beautifully with the bold leaves and berries of aronia.