Shrub - Black Chokeberry

Black Chokeberry

Botanical Name

:

Aronia melanocarpa

Plant Type

:

Deciduous shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in fall or spring; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade (4–8 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–75°F (16–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-drained. Loamy, sandy, or clay soils

Hardiness Zones

:

3–8 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds require stratification (cold treatment for 90–120 days). Germination takes place in 2–4 weeks

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.0–7.0)

Water/Irrigation

:

Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Organic compost or mulch can enhance soil nutrients

Habit

:

Upright, multi-stemmed shrub. Forms dense thickets over time

Propagation

:

Seed (requires stratification), softwood cuttings in early summer, suckers can be transplanted

Final Plant Height

:

3–6 ft

Spread

:

3–6 ft

Flowers

:

Small whitish-pink flowers borne in loose clusters

Uses

:

Ornamental landscaping, erosion control, edible berries (for jams, juices, and wine), wildlife habitat

Companions

:

Serviceberry, Red Twig Dogwood, American Cranberrybush

Pruning

:

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth. Remove dead and weak branches to maintain shape

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets. The berries are very astringent when raw but safe to eat

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant. Occasional aphids, caterpillars, or Japanese beetles

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, leaf spot, fire blight (rare)

Botanical Name

:

Aronia melanocarpa

Plant Type

:

Deciduous shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in fall or spring; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade (4–8 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–75°F (16–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-drained. Loamy, sandy, or clay soils

Hardiness Zones

:

3–8 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds require stratification (cold treatment for 90–120 days). Germination takes place in 2–4 weeks

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.0–7.0)

Water/Irrigation

:

Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Organic compost or mulch can enhance soil nutrients

Habit

:

Upright, multi-stemmed shrub. Forms dense thickets over time

Propagation

:

Seed (requires stratification), softwood cuttings in early summer, suckers can be transplanted

Final Plant Height

:

3–6 ft

Spread

:

3–6 ft

Flowers

:

Small whitish-pink flowers borne in loose clusters

Uses

:

Ornamental landscaping, erosion control, edible berries (for jams, juices, and wine), wildlife habitat

Companions

:

Serviceberry, Red Twig Dogwood, American Cranberrybush

Pruning

:

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth. Remove dead and weak branches to maintain shape

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets. The berries are very astringent when raw but safe to eat

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant. Occasional aphids, caterpillars, or Japanese beetles

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, leaf spot, fire blight (rare)

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/