Red chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia (L.) Pers.

Family: Rosaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. The NC State page has no poison severity line for this plant, so there is no NC State human rating either.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Aronia arbutifolia, not on the common name.. The name chokeberry is easy to mix up with chokecherry, which is Prunus virginiana, a different plant (Arkansas Extension notes the names get confused). Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are both Aronia. Check the Latin name before you use any safety information.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3 to 8 per University of Arkansas Extension
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 6 to 12 ft tall (1.8 to 3.7 m) and 3 to 5 ft wide (0.9 to 1.5 m); the description text on the same page says 3 to 6 ft wide. Illinois Extension: 6 to 10 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide. Arkansas Extension: about 6 ft tall and wide for chokeberries in general.
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern Canada to the central and eastern United States, including North Carolina.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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