Maqui berry Aristotelia chilensis
Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Elaeocarpaceae family, native to Central and southern Chile and adjacent Argentina. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Maqui berry in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Maqui berry at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Elaeocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries |
| Native to | Central and southern Chile and adjacent Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina |
Is Maqui berry toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Maqui berry
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Maqui berry
- How far apart should I plant Maqui berry?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Maqui berry need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Maqui berry need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Maqui berry?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Maqui berry flower?
- From about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Maqui berry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Maqui berry?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Maqui berry. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Pioneer shrub of forest clearings with purple-black berries rich in anthocyanins. Male and female plants.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Chilean lantern tree Crinodendron hookerianum
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica