Aronia arbutifolia (L.) Pers.

Red Chokeberry

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Red Chokeberry is a native deciduous shrub in the Rose family (Rosaceae). It occurs state wide in Alabama. Red Chokeberry grows in bogs and seeps, in wet ditches, and along streams. It can be a single stemmed or colonial shrub ranging in height from three feet to nine feet. The stems are appressed pubescent when young and have smooth, light gray bark when older. Leaves are petiolate, alternate, elliptic in outline, with toothed margins. The leaves are densely pubescent on the lower surface. They turn bright orange or red in the autumn before falling. In spring clusters of five pealed white or pinkish flowers are produced at the ends of branches. They are followed by small apple-like fruit known as pomes. These turn bright red in the autumn and remain on the plant throughout the winter. Red Chokeberry has variously been placed in the genus Photinia, Sorbus, or Pyrus. Red Chokeberry fruit are consumed by many species of wildlife. This species grows best in moist soils in full sun. It can be planted around a pond or along a stream. It will grow on drier sites but should be heavily mulched to help retain moisture. Several cultivars are available in the nursery trade including 'Brilliantissima' which has large fruit crops.—A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

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