Red Chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
10 ft
Spread
9 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Wet Tolerant
Water
High
Hardiness
Zones 5b–9b
Bloom Time
April
Fall Color
Orange, red, scarlet, yellow
Origin
from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Minnesota
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Red Chokeberry has passed 'full bloom' (1229 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1100 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 1229 | '' |
Range: 815–979 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
Source: 'Master catalog (OSU), converted GDD50->GDD32 via Kent bloom-date mapping' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.
Cultivars (1)
'Brilliantissima'
Common name: Brilliant Red Chokeberry; Mature height: 6–8 ft
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.