Dwarf Black Chokeberry
Growth habit
Shrub - Clonal
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Biocultural value
The ripe berries were dried and mixed with animal fat and meat to form a protein rich snack called pemmican. The very tart berries were also made into a tea for treating those suffering from colds.
Location
Source of plant
Fairweather Gardens
Description
Black chokeberry is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6’ tall and is noted for its clusters of 5-petaled white spring (May) flowers, glossy obovate dark green leaves (to 3” long), black autumn berries and purple/red fall color. ‘Morton’ is a somewhat more compact cultivar that typically grows to 2-3’ tall and to 4-5’ wide. Plants feature the same flowers, foliage, fruits and fall color as the species.
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
Special characteristics
growth habit, medicinal/pharmaceutical