Autumn Magic Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, adds wonder to the garden in the fall and every other season. In spring dainty white flowers appear that native bees adore. Summer follows with red berries that will slowly turn to black once ripe. Fall brings show-stopping red-orange foliage. Even in the winter this mid-sized shrub has ornamental value, as usually the fruits persist until the birds decide they’re hungry enough to eat the bitter berries. This easy-to-grow nativar shrub is choice for rain gardens, the back of a mixed garden, or as a hedge.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens designated it a Plant of Merit for its outstanding ornamental value and dependable performance in the garden.

Chokeberry is a native Missouri shrub found commonly in boggy or wet areas. It tolerates various soil conditions, from average to consistently wet. It will grow in the sun to part shade, but for best fruit production, plant in full sun. The dark fruits are technically edible but so astringent that they cause choking in most who try it. While fruits are sometimes used to make tasty jams and jellies, you may want to save them for the birds.