Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia

The red chokeberry is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that has multi-seasonal interest. It is found in both wet and dry thickets in eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States, including North Carolina. It is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae). The species epithet is a Latin compound that means "with leaves like Arbutus” [an unrelated genus in the blueberry family].

The red chokeberry is easily grown in average, medium moisture soils. It has a wide range of soil tolerance, including boggy soils. They tolerate wet sites and occasional flooding. It is recommended that root suckers be removed to prevent colonial spread. The best fruit and flower production occurs in full sun. They are propagated by seeds, soft-wood cuttings, or by removing suckers and potting them when the plant is dormant.

It typically grows in a vase-shaped form to 6-12’ tall and 3-6' wide but tends to sucker and form colonies. The plant has a stiff and upright habit with a fibrous root system. It is best used in mass planting as it tends to become leggy with age. Spring brings clusters of white to light pink flowers. The leaves are green and glossy throughout the summer and turn orangish-red or purple in the fall. Bright red pear-shaped berries appear in the fall and may persist through the winter. The bark is reddish-brown and adds interest to a winter garden. The fruits are edible but so astringent that they may cause choking (hence the common name). The red chokeberry's fruits can be used in canning or making jams and jellies. Jellies are heavy, sweet and solid due to the abundance of pectin. The red chokeberry can be eaten raw and is more palatable than the black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). This plant has a low flammability rating. Butterflies and pollinators are attracted to the flowers for nectar. This plant has little resistance to damage from deer. 

Consider the native red chokeberry for its multi-season interest in a children's, edible, pollinator, native, rain or winter garden. It works as a screen, hedge, border or foundation plant.

Insects, Disease, or Other Plant Problems:  No serious disease/insect problems, but they can develop leaf spot and twig/fruit blight; round head apple borers can also be a problem.

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.