Red Chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It loses its leaves in winter. It grows to 1.8-3 m tall. It has many stems which stick upwards. It forms suckers around the base. They form spreading clumps. The leaves are narrow and oval. There are fine teeth around the leaf edge. They turn bright red in autumn. The flowers are white. The fruit are deep red berries. The fruit are 7 mm across. They are edible.

There are 3 Aronia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is a common understorey plant in North America. They can withstand frost. It is cold hardy down to -25°C. They can grow in part shade but do well in full sunlight. It grows in wet acidic soils. It cannot tolerate alkalinity. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

America, Australia, Britain, Europe, North America (country/location of origin), Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit has a sharp taste. They are used in preserves and sauces. They can be stewed or made into jelly. The fruit can be dried for later use.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Old stems can be cut back near the ground to encourage new growth.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pyrus arbutifolia Linn.f.; Photinia pyrifolia (Lam.) K. R. Robertson & J. B. Phipps; and others