Black Chokeberry is a medium-sized shrub that is popular with wildlife and has brilliant fall foliage. It is covered with white flowers in the spring, which give way to edible berries in the summer that sometimes persist through the winter, making it a popular food source for birds. Because this shrub is self-fertile, you only need one plant for profuse berry production, making it a good choice for smaller yards. It’s bright fall foliage also makes it a good substitute for the highly invasive, non-native Burning Bush.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full sun-Part shade

Water requirements: Medium

Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained

Bloom time: April-May

Bloom color: White

Height: 3-6 feet

Width: 3-6 feet

USDA Zone: 3-8

Other notes: Black Chokeberry can tolerate a wide range of soils, including boggy soils, though the preference is for medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flowering, and by extension, fruit production occurs in full sun. Fruits are edible but very astringent; they can be used to make sweetened foods such as jams and jellies. It is self-fertile so you only need one plant for berry production. This shrub spreads via suckers and will eventually form a thicket. It has vibrant fall foliage with colors ranging from red to orange and even yellow. It tolerates drought once established. Black Chokeberry blooms on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering.

Do you have Black Chokeberry growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!