Aronia / Chokeberry
aronia / chokeberry
The aronia berry plant (Aronia melanocarpa) is native to eastern North America, even though Europe also has a successfully naturalized species of the plant. Creamy white ornate flowers decorate the aronia berry bush in spring, followed by ink-black berries in the fall. Fall foliage is known to change from smooth green to a vibrant-red color, making the aronia berry bush a seasonal beauty. Plants tend to be cold hardy and resist pests and disease, making them easy-care additions to the backyard garden once established. Aronia berries are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They can be eaten fresh when ripe, where the flavor is sweet, although the astringent pucker explains the origin of the colloquial name, chokeberry. The fruit is more commonly used in juices, wines, and jellies.
Not to be confused with “chokecherries”, which is a different plant.
Info from Stark Bros:
Height: 3 - 5 ft
Spread: 2 - 4 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Yellow, Red, Purple
Zone: 3 - 7
Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic'
A beautiful cultivar from the University of British Columbia. Fragrant white flowers bloom in May followed by clusters of large, edible, dark purple-black berries which persist through the season. The leaves are a dark, glossy green all season long and put on an incredible fall color show of red and purple. Does well in full sun to part shade and is tolerant of most soil types. Aronia berries can be eaten fresh, used for baking, jams, juice and wine.
**Info taken from Bailey Nurseries Inc**
Uses:
Accent plant, hedge, mass planting