The black chokeberry, also known as black rowan, is a shrub that reaches a spread of 1.5 to 2 meters in both height and width. It is distinguished by its deciduous, oval, glossy leaves, which are dark green in summer before turning a bright red in autumn. During the months of May and June, this bush is covered in abundant flowers, grouped in pinkish-white umbels, whose delicate fragrance attracts bees.

The fruits, called aronia, have a flavor that can vary depending on their ripeness. These fruits can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried, and are excellent for making jams, jellies, pies, and even liqueurs.
Aronia melanocarpa is cold-hardy, but does not thrive in coastal regions where winters are too mild. It is not very demanding on soil type, and thrives in neutral or slightly acidic soil, preferably fresh or even moist, and can be planted as a hedge, in a clump, or even as a stand-alone. It tolerates pruning well and adapts to both full sun and partial shade.