Black chokeberry, Aronia berry
Aronia melanocarpa

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It is similar to red chokeberry. It is a lower more spreading shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. The stems are more crowded. It has suckers and forms thickets. The leaves are less glossy. The leaves are bright green and smooth. They have small black glands along the upper midribs. The leaves turn orange in autumn. The flowers are small and white. They are produced in clusters or about 10. The fruit are berries which are black when ripe. They are 8-12 mm across. The flesh is red. They drop soon after they ripen.

There are 3 Aronia species. They are rich in Vitamin C. They are rich in anti-oxidants.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in most soils and most locations. It is very cold tolerant. It can tolerate dry soils. It probably needs a cold winter chill requirement. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Europe, Germany, Macedonia, North America (country/location of origin), Norway, Poland, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Tasmania, Ukraine, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw but are astringent. They can be stewed with sugar or honey. They can be used for a sauce or jelly. Some sweeter kinds are used for juice.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Stored seed need 2-3 months of cold stratification, then soaking for 18 hours before sowing. Old stems can be cut back near the ground to encourage new growth. Suckers can be divided off and allowed to root before replanting.

Plants start producing some fruit 1 year after planting. Yields can be 10-16 kg per plant.

Its other names

Local names

Aronija, črnoplodna aronija, Svartsurbaer

Synonyms

Photinia melanocarpa (Michx.) K. R. Robertson & J. B. Phipps ; and several others