Aronia Berry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Aronia Berry vs Spicebush

Aronia melanocarpa

Lindera benzoin

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Aronia Berry
Spicebush

Aronia Berry produces black fruit that is often considered too astringent. This is why they are also referred to as Black Chokeberry. It is native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. White to pink flowers appear in the spring which provides a nice contrast to the dark green foliage. In fall the leaves turn a vibrant orange to red.

It has a fast growth rate, strong roots, and can tolerate growing in wet soils. This makes it well suited for various projects including forming hedges, bank stabilization, erosion control, and in wetter riparian areas. They are also well suited as an understory plant as it grows well under other trees.

Aronia berries have their own unique flavour. The polyphenols and anthocyanins are touted as healthy antioxidants and lots of research seems to be underway on the health benefits of this fruit.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Aronia Berry Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: red to orange color
Flowers: whitish-pink
Flowers: greenish yellow
Berries: red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: black choke berry, black chokeberry
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice