Purple Chokeberry

Aronia × prunifolia

Native to:
Canada, Labrador, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Aronia
Species:
Aronia × prunifolia
USDA Symbol:
ARPR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
400 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, small mammals
Fall Color:
red, orange, purple

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers organic-rich soil in its native habitat

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds show variable germination and may benefit from warm stratification followed by cold. Fresh seed germinates better than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Mix equal amount of perlite or vermiculite in a Ziploc-style bag or small Rubbermaid-style container. Add a small amount of water (no visible water). Store in a refrigerator or cold garage (33-42 degrees F) for at least four months. Can be cold stored until planted (up to 3 years).

Establishment: Seed is collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula. Flowers in May. Seed is harvested from early September to late November. No artificial light is used in the greenhouse.

Source: npn.rngr.net