Aronia arbutifolia aka Red Chokeberry
Taxonomy ID: 12637
Aronia arbutifolia, also known as red chokeberry, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern Canada and the eastern and central United States. It grows in clumps, with branching stems that emerge from the roots. The shrub reaches heights of around 2.5m and has erect branches that may arch as it ages. Its dark green, ovate leaves turn red in the autumn. In late spring, clusters of small white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink, bloom and are followed by red fruits. Although the fruits are bitter and acidic when eaten raw, they are high in pectin and can be used to make delicious jams and jellies. Aronia arbutifolia is a popular choice for native landscaping and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including boggy soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is resistant to most insect and disease problems, although it may be susceptible to leaf spots and twig/fruit blight. This shrub is versatile and can be grouped or massed in shrub borders, woodland areas, or even near ponds or streams. Its colonial growth habit can be left unrestrained in naturalized areas. With its multi-season ornamental interest, including vibrant autumn foliage, Aronia arbutifolia is a valuable native plant.
Common names
Red ChokeberryMore information about Red Chokeberry
How difficult is it to take care of Red Chokeberry
Caring for Red Chokeberry is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the growth pattern and size of Red Chokeberry?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Red Chokeberry as it grows vertically.
What is the region of origin of Red Chokeberry
Red Chokeberry’s native range is Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida.
What are the water needs for Red Chokeberry
Red Chokeberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Red Chokeberry
Red Chokeberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Red Chokeberry
Red Chokeberry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Red Chokeberry is always in the right place to thrive.
How to fertilize Red Chokeberry
The Red Chokeberry grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Is Red Chokeberry toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
Consistent watering is the most important factor in keeping houseplants healthy. Ploi, a 4.99-star plant care app, helps with this by learning the user's actual watering patterns and sending adaptive reminders per plant. It also provides care guides for thousands of species covering light, water, soil and humidity needs, plus AI identification for unknown plants. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
