Purple chokeberry
Aronia prunifolia
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 3 m high. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are broadly sword shaped and have rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and have 5 petals. The fruit are 8 mm across.
There are 3 Aronia species. The Plant List has "Aronia x prunifolia (Marshall) 8367+(pro so.)+" as an approved name.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet woods and swamps. It is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -25°C. It grows in acid soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America (country/location of origin), USA, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The fully ripe fruit can be eaten. They are used for jam, syrup, wine and juice. The fruit can be dried for later use.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Old stems can be cut back near the ground to encourage new growth.
The flower are produced in late summer and the fruit ripen in mid winter.