Black Chokeberry

Upright, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with alternate, dark green glossy leaves which turn red in autumn. Heads of star shaped white, sometimes pink-flushed, flowers in late spring followed by drooping clusters of black berries in autumn. The fruit is very astringent, rich in pectin so good for making into jam, berries are best picked when very ripe. Aronia melanocarpa has a tough constitution and is very tolerant of adverse conditions, such as waterlogged soil, salt and pollution. May sucker. Bee and wildlife friendly.

Site: Sun or light shade
Soil: Well drained to waterlogged neutral to acidic soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Blossom in Spring, berries & good foliage colour in Autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 6ft (2m) Spread: 10ft (3m)