Aronia melanocarpa 'Elata'

Elata Chokeberry

A vigorous, native deciduous shrub selected for its abundant black berries, strong fall color, and reliable landscape performance. Aronia melanocarpa ‘Elata’ offers year-round interest — white flowers in spring, glossy dark fruit in late summer, and rich orange to red autumn foliage.

Key features



Width: 4–8 ft



Height: 4–8 ft



Flower color: White (in spring)



Bloom time: Spring



Fruit: Glossy black berries in late summer–fall



Fall color: Orange to red



Foliage: Green foliage turning bright fall hues



Form: Upright, rounded shrub



Life cycle: Deciduous shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun to part shade



Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay and occasional wet conditions



Water: Moderate; adaptable



Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8



Landscape use



Shrub borders and foundation plantings



Mass plantings and hedges



Native and naturalized landscapes



Wildlife and pollinator gardens (birds attracted to fruit)



Small to medium residential landscapes



Notes



Native to eastern North America



Berries are attractive to birds and useful for jams and juices (tart)



Generally deer resistant once established



Strong autumn color adds seasonal impact

Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

4-8'

Width

4-8'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Fruit color

Dark Blue

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No