• Aronia melanocarpa, commonly called black chokeberry, is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6' tall. It is native to low woods, swamps, bogs and moist thickets but occasionally to dry upland areas, from Newfoundland to southern Ontario and Minnesota south to Missouri, Tennessee and Georgia.
• It is noted for its 5-6 flowered clusters of white 5-petaled spring (May) flowers, glossy elliptic to obovate dark green leaves (to 2-3" long) with finely toothed margins, black autumn berries (blueberry size) and purple/red fall color.
• Basic research on aronia has addressed potential mechanisms for reducing risk of disease. Models under evaluation include: reduction of blood cholesterol colorectal cancer cardiovascular disease chronic inflammation gastric mucosal disorders (peptic ulcer) eye inflammation (uveitis) liver failure anti-adhesion properties platelet function in patients with breast cancer arterial hypertension cervical cancer immunomodulation

Aronia melanocarpa, commonly called black chokeberry, is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6' tall. It is native to low woods, swamps, bogs and moist thickets but occasionally to dry upland areas, from Newfoundland to southern Ontario and Minnesota south to Missouri, Tennessee and Georgia.