Aronia (Aronia spp.) is commonly referred to as chokeberry because the berries have an astringent bitter taste. Therefore, they are seldom eaten raw, but make a colorful and healthy addition to jams, jellies, juices, syrups and wine. There are two primary species of aronia, black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) and red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). Purple chokeberry (Aronia prunifolia) is a hybrid of the two, occurring where native habitat overlaps. Black chokeberry is the type most commonly grown in home gardens.
In recent years, consumers have expressed increasing interest in healthy eating. Of particular interest to consumers and scientists alike are so-called "superfoods". Superfoods are generally defined as fruits and vegetables with high levels of health-promoting antioxidants. There has been a renewed interest in the health benefits of Aronia as a superfood because it has higher levels of antioxidants and tannins (anthocyanins and flavonoids) than many other fruits. Several cultivars of Ribes nigrum (black currant) and Ribes rubrum (red currant), Ribes grossularia (gooseberries), Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry), and Sambucus nigra (elderberry) have different levels of anthocyanins. However, not every anthocyanin was observed in each berry. Among the berries, Aronia has the highest total anthocyanin concentrations [1480 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW)], whereas the lowest total anthocyanin concentration in the
berries studied was found in the gooseberry, which contained only 0.07 mg/100 g of FW.
Aronia not only provides food but adds an attractive element to any landscape, because of their four-season appeal. In the spring, Aronia produces an abundance of showy white flower clusters. In summer, it has dark green leaves which transition from beautiful orange to red in the fall. The ripe berries develop vibrant tones of green, orange, and/or purple depending on the cultivar. Berries often persist into winter, giving the plant winter appeal.
Aronia also works well around naturalized areas such as ponds, riparian buffers, and woodlands.
These traits heighten its appeal for inclusion in an edible landscape design, both for humans and wildlife. Many songbirds including bluejays, cardinals, chickadees, cedar waxwings and thrashers consume chokeberries as a late-season food source.
Aronia is a perennial shrub native to Eastern North America. It can grow in USDA zones 3 to 8, which includes Adams County, Pennsylvania, zones 7a to 7b. Aronia grows to heights of 8 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide depending on the conditions. It does not need trellising. It is an open, upright, leggy, suckering, shrub. It is self-fertile and bears two to three years after planting.
Aronia is sturdy and widely adaptable. It grows best in soils that are well drained but still have a good water-holding capacity. However, it has been known to grow in drier sites as well as heavy clay soils. It can grow in part shade with at least 4 hours of sunlight a day but will produce more in full sun. Chokeberry blooms on the previous season’s growth. It requires little pruning except to thin out older canes and remove damaged or dead branches and lightly shape as needed.
As a native plant, Aronia appears to have acquired resistance to most common insects and diseases. In addition, birds, deer, and other wildlife tend to avoid Aronia in preference for any other food source. This is likely due to the fact that the fruit remains quite bitter until fully ripe. Therefore, Aronia could be a useful addition at the edge of a garden as a deterrent for deer and other wildlife.
Aronia harvesting is a simple process that can be done by hand as fruits mature from September through November. Characteristics of ripe berries differ by species. Black and purple chokeberry fruits shrivel once ripe. Red chokeberries will stay plump and retain their color throughout the winter. Fruit can be eaten raw, dried, frozen, juiced, or cooked, or it can also be used to make wine. Typically, red chokeberries are sweeter than black chokeberries.
Aronia is a versatile native and ornamental plant that has found use in the home landscape, providing colorful displays and annually producing berries for the enjoyment of the homeowner. Black chokeberry is the type most commonly grown in home gardens. This versatile easy care bush is a great addition to native landscapes and shrub borders, or it can be used as a hedge. With careful placement, this sturdy plant needs minimal care and has few pest problems. It is gaining attention as a Superfood source and for its timeless beaut.
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