Aronia melanocarpa aka Black Chokeberry

Taxonomy

Aronia melanocarpa, also known as black chokeberry, is a species of deciduous shrub in the rose family. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from Canada to the central United States and is valued by gardeners for its native status. The shrub grows well in the sun and part-shade, forming clumps up to six feet or more in height. Its glossy dark green leaves turn red in the autumn, providing striking foliage. The plant flowers in late spring with white or pink flowers that give way to black fruits in September. Although the fruits are astringent when raw, they can be used in recipes with added sugar to enhance their flavor. The black chokeberry is also valued for its red fall foliage, making it a popular choice for border and wooded gardens. The shrub is relatively easy to clone and root, and birds are known to eat its berries. Its lanceolate or elliptical leaves are 1 to 3 inches in length, and it features white flowers that come in clusters called corymbs.

Common names

Black Chokeberry, Aronia (Swedish), Salal, Aronija (Srpski)

How to care for Black Chokeberry

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Black Chokeberry, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Black Chokeberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Black Chokeberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Black Chokeberry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Aronija (Srpski) is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Black Chokeberry plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Black Chokeberry is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Black Chokeberry as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Black Chokeberry’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, south to Florida and Michigan.


More info:
Wikipedia