Aronia arbutifolia

Red Chokeberry is a charming, multi-stemmed, deciduous woody shrub native to Atlantic and Southeastern states. It is found in swamps and wet places, and is therefore very useful for wet areas, but is happy in upland gardens as well and established plants even tolerate drought. This shrub is hard to beat for both aesthetic and wildlife value. It is six to eight feet tall (or taller if wet), and although each stem is slender and single, if given a little space it will colonize, assuming a vase-shape sillhouette in the garden. It is a very rewarding plant to have in several seasons, beginning with the sweet, fragrant spring flowers and all the critters attracted to them. Over time these flowers become bright red, persistent berries which, probably because they are astringent, persist well into the winter before becoming food for many birds. In the fall, the foliage takes on beautiful bright orange to yellow colors and interesting texture, the geater the available light, the more dramatic the color. Its exfoliating bark is attractive in winter with the accents of red berries. Red Chokeberry is easy to grow and trouble free. Although not invasive, it will require some control on its suckering habit — a very small price to pay fto have this outstanding plant.