The black chokeberry is an ornamental plant from the rose family. The deciduous shrub grows small clusters of flowers and blue-black berries. Its scientific name is Photinia melanocarpa, and it can be found in Eastern North America.
Fast-growing plants, chokeberry shrubs feature green leaves with a red tinge. Small, dark hairs grow down the center of each leaf. Flower clusters, which bloom during the spring, are typically white, and resemble the flowers of a Hawthorn tree. The flowers feature red stamens. The black berries that the plants grow, also known as pomes, arrive in the fall and winter.
As the plants grow, they tend to form a vase-like shape. This ornamental appearance is a favorite decoration in some gardens. During the fall, the plants also feature vibrant red and orange foliage. Self-sowing and multi-stemmed, the shrubs can branch out widely, accounting for a large width capacity for each shrub.
Zones three to eight contain the most optimal growing conditions for the black chokeberry in North America. Sun or partial shade can be used to grow chokeberry shrubs. Dry and wet soil can both foster strong black chokeberry plants, as can rocky terrains. The shrubs are considered hardy plants that can withstand poor soils as well. Chokeberries can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height, while flowers grow up to 3/8 inch (1 centimeter) in width.
Outside purposefully planted gardens, black chokeberry shrubs can be found throughout the wild. Wet soils and thickets are two habitats that often feature these ornamental plants in the wild. Dry areas of Eastern North America also often feature the plants. Acid soil that is well-drained usually fosters the largest chokeberry plants.
Black chokeberries are edible and are sometimes sold as juice products, jellies, syrups, and jams. High in antioxidants, the berries are also a rich source of vitamins. Low in fats and calories, they make a healthy snack for dieters. Birds and other animals enjoy the berries and their astringent flavor as well. The red variations are also edible.
In Europe, the black chokeberry plant is used in orchards. Many people like to use the shrubs in North America as edge plants. As a hedging border plant, black chokeberry can help prevent erosion. The plants' glossy berries and leaves, tasty culinary applications, and easy growing instructions make them popular garden plants.
Chokeberries are often mistakenly called chokecherries. This is an inaccurate moniker. Chokecherries are actually another species of plant known as Prunus virginiana.
