In-Depth Description
Note: The scientific name was formerly Aronia and is now Photinia..
The common name, Chokeberry, refers to the tart and bitter berries which are edible but, eaten raw, they are astringent enough to cause choking. Cooked, the berries may be used in a variety of dishes. The cultivar ‘Brilliantissima’ typically grows slowly to 6-10′ tall and is most noted for its attractive, glossy red berries and red fall foliage color. It is more compact than other species, and also with more lustrous foliage and superior red fall color, and larger, glossier, and more abundant fruit – a suitable food for mockingbirds, ruffed grouse, pheasants, and many songbirds.
Song Sparrow, Photo Credit: Richard Martin
