red chokeberry

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-12 ft. tall
3-5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Softwood cuttings may root without hormone treatment. Seed needs up to 90 days of cold moist stratification.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide at least 5 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Mild susceptibility to leaf spot, twig and/or fruit blight, and round head apple borers.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical, oblong, or obovate with serrate margins.

Flowers

Cup shaped white flowers with prominent, red anthers with 4-5 petals.

Fruit

Berry

Bark

Brownish-red twigs.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Berries are bitter and tart, but can be used to make jams and jellies.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Wet habitats such as swamps, bogs, and pocosins.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Uncommon in the mountains.