Aronia arbutifolia (Red chokeberry)


Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusAronia
Speciesarbutifolia
SynonymsPhotinia pyrifolia
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginEastern North America.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2 - 5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 - (-29)
Temperature (°F)-30 - (-20)
Height2 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

PropagationPropagate through semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or removal of suckers. It is also possibly to propagate through seed by removing the fleshy coating and stratifying for 12-14 weeks at a temperature below 5°C, or by sowing in autumn in an open seed bed.
CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are 5-8 cm wide, alternate, simple, and oblanceolate with crenate margins and pinnate venation. In autumn the leaves turn a bold red colour. Dark trichomes are present on the upper midrib surface. Leaves are densely pubescent on the underside.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are small, white or pale pink, 1 cm wide, with 5 petals and 5 glandular sepals, and produced in corymbs of 10-25. Hypanthium is urn-shaped.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a small red pome, 4-10 mm wide, persisting into winter.

Photographs