Black chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Synonyms: Pyrus arbutifolia var. nigra, Aronia nigra var. decumbens, Sorbus grandifolia, Mespilus arbutifolia var. melanocarpa, Aronia arbutifolia var. melanocarpa, Aronia arbutifolia var. nigra, Pyrus grandifolia, Adenorachis melanocarpa, Aronia grandifolia, Sorbus melanocarpa, Pyrus nigra, Aronia melanocarpa var. typica, Photinia melanocarpa, Aronia melanocarpa var. subpubescens, Pyrus melanocarpa, Aronia melanocarpa var. grandifolia, Hahnia arbutifolia var. nigra, Sorbus melanocarpa var. grandifolia, Aronia melanocarpa var. elata, Sorbus melanocarpa var. subpubescens, Aronia nigra var. grandifolia, Aronia nigra, Sorbus pubescens, Mespilus arbutifolia var. nigra, Pyrus melanocarpa var. subpubescens, Pyrus arbutifolia subsp. nigra, Pyrus arbutifolia var. melanocarpa, Sorbus melanocarpa var. typica, Aronia nigra pubescens
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Botanical Description
Aronia melanocarpa, the black chokeberry, is a deciduous suckering shrub of the rose family, usually 0.5 to 2 m tall, forming low, spreading colonies. The alternate, simple leaves are obovate to elliptic, finely toothed, glossy dark green above, and turn brilliant red to purple in autumn; tiny dark glands run along the upper midrib, a useful identifying mark. In late spring it bears flat-topped clusters of small, five-petalled white (sometimes pink-tinged) flowers with pinkish-red anthers. These ripen into small, glossy, blackish-purple pome fruits that are astringent and persist into autumn. Native to eastern North America, it grows in wet woods, bogs, swamp margins, and on rocky slopes, and is cultivated both as an ornamental and for its nutrient-rich, anthocyanin-laden berries.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.