Rain Garden Plants: Black Chokeberry

This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub spreads freely and can produce thickets. Clusters of white to pink flowers bloom in late spring, followed by blackish purple fruits called pomes. Fruits are edible but are very tart and bitter, giving the plant its name, "chokeberry." The glossy, dark green, finely toothed leaves turn brilliant red and burgundy in fall. Nectar and pollen attract butterflies and other pollinators. The berry-like fruit is a food source for some songbirds and mammals. It is very tolerant of flooding. Prune after flowering in spring and remove root suckers to prevent spreading, unless desired.

• Height: 3 to 12 ft 
• Bloom color: White
• Bloom time: May
• Hardiness zone: 3 to 8
• Salt tolerance: Tolerates road salt
• Spreading habit: Root suckers

Site Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Acidic (pH<6.8)
• Hydrologic zones: Wet/Moist

Sources

Missouri Botanical Garden: Black Chokeberry

Morton Arboretum: Black Chokeberry

North Carolina State University Extension: Black Chokeberry

Prepared by Jodi Sulpizio, Constance Schmotzer, and Jessica Chou. Peer reviewed by Scott Sjolander and Sandra Feather. Finalized by Jodi Sulpizio.