Aronia melanocarpa

Common Name

Black Chokeberry, Black Berried Aronia

Family

Rosaceae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Swamps and low woodlands, it is sometimes also found in drier soils[200, 235].

Range

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, south to Florida and Michigan.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval.

Physical Characteristics

Aronia melanocarpa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Oct to December. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

USDA hardiness zone : 3-8

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sten

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Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit.
Edible Uses: Pectin; Pectin.

Fruit - cooked. A good flavour but very astringent[183]. The fruit should be fully ripe before being eaten and is best after a frost or two[K]. It makes a good jelly when sugar is added and is also dried and used for making pemmican[183]. The fruit is rich in pectin and can be added to fruits that are low in this substance when making jams etc[183]. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation[201]. The fruit is about 9mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Miscellany. An infusion of the berries has been used in the treatment of colds[257].

Other Uses
Miscellany; Pectin; Pectin. The fruit is a source of pectin[183], a substance that is used to thicken jams etc and as a culture medium in laboratories.

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Screen, Specimen. Prefers a moist peaty soil in full sun or partial shade[200]. Succeeds in most soils but dislikes shallow chalk[200]. More tolerant of dry soils than other members of this genus[200]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. There is at least one cultivar developed for its improved fruit. 'Nero' has fruits twice the size of the species with a vitamin C content of 15 - 30 mg (per 100g?). The fruit is borne in clusters of about 15, it is more flavourful and the yield is about twice that of wild forms[183]. Other cultivars developed mainly for their ornamental value include 'Viking' with extra large berries and 'Aron' with numerous large berries[182]. The sub-species A. melanocarpa elata Rehd. and A. melanocarpa grandifolia (Lindl.)Schneid. are more vigorous than the type species with larger flowers and fruits[200]. This genus is closely related to Sorbus species[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Attracts birds, North American native, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots outdoors or in a cold frame[113]. Pre-soak stored seed overnight and then cold stratify for 3 months at 2°c[113]. The seed germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Division of suckers in the dormant season[200]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Layering[200].

Blockhill

Aronia melanocarpa

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Cultivation details

Propagation

3 pictures - click to enlarge

Black Chokeberry

Related

Aronia Melanocarpa Seeds