Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Red Chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia

Red Chokeberry leaves
Red Chokeberry leaves
 
Features
Clusters of small, white flowers in mid-spring; small, round bright red fruit in late summer and autumn; autumn color is red to reddish-purple. 
 
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates both wet and dry sites; prefers acid soil. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Brilliantissima' - Flowers more abundantly; fruit is larger, glossier and more abundant; brilliant red autumn color.
 
 
Mature Height
6-10 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
3-5 Feet
 
Mature Form
Multi-stemmed with suckers; stems are upright; overall shape of the shrub is oval. 
 
Native To:
United States 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Border
Massing
Naturalizing
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Purple
Red
 
 
Pests and Problems
 
Additional Notes
Chokeberry fruit are very astringent and will not be eaten by birds, so they are ornamental through much of winter.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic