Although technically edible, the fruits are extremely tart and bitter, and are not recommended for eating off the bush. Attractive fall color and fruit give this shrub good ornamental value for a shrub border. Its ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing along ponds, streams or water gardens. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils. Best fruit production occurs in full sun. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies.

About the Chokeberry - Red:

The Red Chockecherry, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima', cultivar is a deciduous shrub which typically grows slowly to 6-8' tall and is perhaps most noted for its attractive glossy red berries and red fall foliage color. Clusters of white to pinkish flowers appear in spring. Flowers are followed by abundant glossy red fruits (3/8" diameter) which appear in dense clusters along the branches. Fruits ripen in late summer and persist throughout fall and well into winter. The glossy, dark green turns bright red in autumn.

'Brilliantissima' primarily differs from the species by being more compact, producing more lustrous foliage with superior red fall color and producing larger, glossier and more abundant fruit. Common name is in reference to the tart and bitter berries. which are so astringent they cause choking in those who try to eat them.

 The ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Also effective in naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained.

Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It has a wide range of soil tolerance including boggy soils. Best fruit production usually occurs in full sun.