In many of our backyards, Aronia (also known as Chokeberry) is a go-to choice for privacy hedges or as a standout ornamental shrub. These plants are tough as nails and require very little maintenance, usually rewarding you with a massive harvest of berries every year. But before you start snacking, you might wonder: is there a chance of mixing them up with something else—maybe even something toxic?
Can Chokeberries be mistaken for other berries?
The short answer is yes, Aronia berries definitely have some look-alikes. It’s not just blueberries, which look similar but taste totally different. You also need to watch out for Privet and Cherry Laurel—both of which are inedible or even straight-up poisonous.
What are the most common Aronia look-alikes?
The most common mix-up is with the blueberry. Since Aronia is actually native to North America, they share a lot of visual traits with our favorite blue snack. The fruits look remarkably similar, but you’ll notice the difference the second you take a bite. While Chokeberries have a tart, slightly bitter flavor, blueberries are much sweeter.
Beyond that, you have to be careful with Privet and Cherry Laurel. Both of these are popular hedge plants, just like Aronia, and they produce dark purple to near-black berries that mimic the size and shape of Chokeberries almost perfectly.
Are these look-alike plants poisonous?
Out of the plants often confused with the Aronia berry, Privet and Cherry Laurel are the ones to worry about.
Privet berries aren’t usually a major threat to adults unless you eat a very large amount, which would lead to symptoms of poisoning. However, Cherry Laurel is a different story. Every part of that plant is toxic—and the berries are especially dangerous because they actually taste sweet. Cherry Laurel poisoning can be fatal; for a child, chewing just ten berries can be deadly, while for adults, the threshold is around fifty.
Is the Aronia plant itself toxic?
Not at all! Aronia berries are completely non-toxic and perfectly safe to eat, even in large quantities.
That said, if you have kids playing in a yard where both Aronia and Cherry Laurel are growing, you need to be extra vigilant. It is way too easy for a child to mistake those toxic laurel berries for the healthy Chokeberries.
Pro Tip: Freeze them before eating
Aronia is a trending superfood for a reason, but its tart, astringent flavor isn’t for everyone. If you find them a bit too “puckery,” try tossing them in the freezer before eating them or turning them into jam. Freezing helps mellow out that bitter edge significantly. Don’t worry about the health benefits, either—freezing doesn’t touch their nutritional value. They’ll stay the same little “antioxidant powerhouses” they’ve always been!