The Black Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) is a small, deciduous shrub that grows to around 2.5 metres. The species is native to North America and tolerates cold conditions. The berries are considered tart and are mainly used in jams and to attract birds into the garden.
Black Chokeberry plants display beautiful red autumn foliage and can be shaped into an attractive hedge. They are disease and pollution resistant and can tolerate poor, dry soils. Some other common names for the Black Chokeberry include Black Berried Aronia and the American Chokeberry.
Growth
Aronia melanocarpa is a deciduous shrub that can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C / -4°F. The plant can grow up to 2 ½ metres tall and wide and has large green leaves that grow to around 7 cm’s in length. The flowers of this species are white and pink in colour and are on display in late spring to mid-summer.
Aronia melanocarpa grows well in either full sun or a shaded area but at temperatures of more than 30°C/85°F plants begin to suffer damage.
After germination plants grow vigorously and can start producing flowers within their second season. In autumn, the leaves of this plant change to brilliant red colours, before going dormant in the winter.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 25°C / -4 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil, sandy loam
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 2.5 metres (8 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
pH:
5.1-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
60-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks after sowing.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, for colds.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ARONIA MELANOCARPA (Chokeberry)
Black Chokeberries have one of the highest known sources of antioxidants, but most people don’t like the taste, which is very bitter and often spit back out, hence the common name it has been given.
Chokeberry trees produce edible fruits, white flowers, autumn foliage and make decorative hedges.
The Black Chokeberry is native to eastern North America, from Ontario, Canada to as far south as Tennessee, United States.
