Black Chokeberry
Deciduous shrub growing 1-3 m tall. Produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by edible purple-black berries. Features glossy, dark green leaves turning brilliant red in fall. Prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils but adaptable to various conditions. Tolerates full sun to partial shade. Berries are high in antioxidants and attractive to birds. Suitable for hedges, mass plantings, and rain gardens. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Time: Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist-Drained
Phenology: Leaf buds break mid-May. White flowers appear late May-early June. Berries develop green, ripening to black in August-September, persisting into winter. Fall color develops early October, bright orange to red, leaves dropping by late October.
Wildlife Value: High value wildlife shrub; berries persist into winter, eaten by >30 bird species; flowers attract native bees and butterflies; good cover for songbirds
Habit Over Time: Forms dense, multi-stemmed colonies through root suckers, but spreads more slowly and predictably than other suckering shrubs. New stems emerge close to the parent plant, creating tight clusters that gradually expand. While the base is quite dense, the upright stems allow views through at eye level. Fall color is reliably brilliant, and persistent black fruits provide winter interest.
Height: Medium to Tall (3-6 feet)