Seeds: Aronia melanocarpa, black chokeberry
 
Includes a brochure with instructions on how to sow native seeds.
 
Seed sowing instructions
C(90) = Aronia melanocarpa seeds need at least 90 days of cold moist stratification prior to sowing.
L = plant fresh or keep seeds moist during storage
You can find more information about how to sow native seeds HERE.
 
Plant information
If you are looking for a one-for-one replacement for burning bush, look no further! Actually, this is better than one-for-one, because it is NATIVE!
 
Black chokeberry is a woody shrub that can do well in just about any location short of deep shade. Able to handle wet feet as well as being drought tolerant, it is hard to think of a spot that it wouldn’t work.
 
The fall color on this will make you forget about burning bush, and the birds will certainly thank you for the deep purple berries (which are edible fresh but very astringent). These are low-maintenance shrubs and could be allowed to spread, or could easily be used in a more formal garden and kept in check by removing the suckers.
 
Fun fact: Aronia melanocarpa berries are one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants. Due to their astringency (thus the common name), the are tastiest in juices, jams, syrups, teas, and baked into muffins and pies. The berries supply: fiber, folate, manganese, iron, vitamins A, C, and E.  For more information, click here.
 
Photo 1 courtesy of Dan Wilder