Aronia Berry vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Aronia Berry vs Black Raspberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Rubus occidentalis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Aronia Berry
Black Raspberry

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 Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Aronia Berry Quick Facts

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $15.99
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: red to orange color
Flowers: whitish-pink
Berries: small black berries, edible
Berries: red to black
Flavor: astringent
Harvest: late summer to fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: black choke berry, black chokeberry
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap