Red Chokeberry is a native, upright, multi-stemmed shrub. It grows in a vase-shape to a height of 6-10′ , and typically about 6′ wide, though it can spread gradually outward with its suckering growth habit. If a single specimen shrub is desired, it is possible to maintain the shape and spread through pruning and removal of the suckers annually. The fall foliage is spectacular, with brilliant red, scarlet and orange, making it an excellent replacement shrub for non-native, invasive Burning Bush. Red Chokeberry shrubs produce clusters of red berries in fall that persist through winter. Birds will use them as a late-winter food source. They are sweeter and slightly less astringent than Black Chokeberry fruits and can be used for juice, jelly, liqueurs and syrups among other recipes. This species is perfectly suited to being used in mass plantings, for naturalizing and for borders. The effect of the fall foliage and shining fruit clusters is very ornamental and the plants are highly adaptable. Sources: Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr Missouri Botanical Garden Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center NC State Extension
