shrub

Black chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible fruit
Mulch_biomassmedium
Nectarattracts pollinators
Pollenattracts pollinators

Through the year

Through the year

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emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering occurs approximately two weeks after leaf emergence, lasting for about three weeks.
fruitingFruit development begins after flowering, with berries ripening over a period of 45 days.
harvestBerries are typically ready for harvest in August, continuing into early September.
senescenceFoliage begins to senesce and change color with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy after senescence, triggered by the first autumn frosts and significantly shorter days, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, phosphorus
Soil textureloam, sand, clay
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseeds, cuttings, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 90-120 days
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring_or_autumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, birds