chokeberry Rosaceae Aronia
arbutifolia (L.) Pers.
symbol: ARAR7
Leaf: Alternate, simple, elliptical, 2 to 4 inches long, finely serrated margins, shiny dark green above, midrib has stiff, raised dark glands on upper surface (may need a handlens), much paler and fuzzy below, orange-red fall color.
Flower: White, 5 petals, 1/2 inch across, dark anthers, occur in clusters at ends of twig, appearing in spring.
Fruit: Small pome, 1/4 inch, reddish, ripen in late summer to early fall, persistant.
Twig: Slender, reddish brown, generally pubescent, terminal buds long, 1/3 to 1/2 inch (resembles serviceberry), leaf scars narrow.
Bark: Reddish brown, smooth, lenticeled, developing diamond-shaped splits.
Form: Upright shrub to 15 feet, often multi-stemmed.
Looks like: black chokeberry
- downy serviceberry
- Chickasaw plum
- American plum