Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry

Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry features cloud-white florets in spring, lustrous forest-green leaves turning scarlet in fall, and purplish-black berries ripening in late fall/winter. This showy shrub, otherwise known as Aronia melanocarpa Iroquois Beauty™ ('Morton'), attracts pollinators including butterflies, bees, and birds. Its fruit can be used to make muffins, jams, smoothies, jellies, pies, and syrup.  Reaching 2 to 3 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide, this hardy perennial’s delicate flowers, delightful fragrance, unique showy foliage, and attractive fruit add interest to hedges, gardens, and ponds. Growing well in containers, this shrub also enhances decks, patios, and porches.

Bred by American Beauties Native Plants, this North American native grows with a compact, upright habit. A slow grower, this deciduous perennial is drought tolerant. Deer resistant as well, this shrub’s flowers, foliage, and fruit will still be there long after the critters have moseyed through your yard. Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry is cold hardy in zones 3 to 8 and adaptable to many growing conditions. Anyone wanting to add unique interest to a landscape will be happy adding this easy-to-grow shrub to their collection. 

Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry Care

While its fruit is not toxic to humans, other parts of Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry are poisonous to humans and pets. As a result, take caution as to where you locate this showy shrub. Plant this ornamental perennial at any time other than winter. While Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry tolerates partial shade, it thrives in full sun. Choose a spot with soil that is moist and acidic with a pH of 5.5. to 6.5. In contrast to many other perennials that prefer well-draining soil, this shrub tolerates continuously wet soil. As a result, Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry is a great option to plant along ponds or near streams in boggy conditions. 

Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry does not require frequent pruning. During the spring, after this tree has bloomed, trim damaged, dead, and/or diseased branches to improve its shape and prevent disease.

Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry Spacing

Iroquois Beauty™ Black Chokeberry provides year-round interest. Plant this ornamental to add an accent to beds and borders. This perennial grows well along streams and ponds. To create an attractive, low hedge, space plants 3 feet apart. Add companion plants such as milkweed and butterfly bush.