Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is known to spread quite easily. It is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. One of the characteristics of this plant is its ability to sucker profusely, meaning it produces new shoots from the base of the plant and can quickly spread to fill an area.
The growth habit of Black Chokeberry is generally rounded and upright, with the top of the shrub often having a rounded shape. However, as the plant ages, it can become somewhat leggy, meaning that the lower branches may become bare or less dense compared to the upper parts of the plant.
In my own experience with Black Chokeberry, I have found that it can indeed spread quite vigorously. I have planted it in a garden bed, and over time, I noticed that new shoots started to emerge from the base of the plant and spread outwards. These new shoots can take root and form new plants, leading to a natural expansion of the shrub.
To control the spread of Black Chokeberry, it is important to regularly monitor the base of the plant and remove any new shoots that are starting to sucker. This can be done by gently digging up the shoots and cutting them away from the main plant. Alternatively, you can use a sharp spade or shovel to physically sever the suckers from the main plant.
In addition to suckering, Black Chokeberry can also spread through its seeds. The shrub produces small, dark berries that are attractive to birds, which may eat the fruit and then disperse the seeds in their droppings. This can lead to new plants popping up in unexpected areas.
To prevent unwanted spread from seeds, it is advisable to remove the berries before they fully ripen and drop to the ground. This can be done by pruning off the flower clusters before they develop into fruit. However, it is worth noting that the berries of Black Chokeberry are highly nutritious and can be used in various culinary preparations, so you may choose to leave some on the shrub for both wildlife and human consumption.
Black Chokeberry is a shrub that has a tendency to spread through suckering and seed dispersal. While this can be advantageous for filling in empty spaces in a garden or landscape, it is important to monitor and control the spread to prevent the plant from becoming invasive or overcrowding other plants. Regular maintenance, such as removing suckers and pruning off the fruit clusters, can help manage the spread of Black Chokeberry effectively.
