Aronia 'Viking'
- Scientific Name: Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking'
- Garden: Edibles and Herbs Garden
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
- Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun
- Moisture Requirements: Dry to Wet
Plant Information
Black chokeberry is an interesting deciduous foundation shrub noted for its spring bloom, fall color and berries which the birds love. Morphology: Black chokeberry is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, deciduous shrub which typically grows 3-6' tall. In the spring, white flowers form. Though they are small (.3”), they form in striking clumps. Later, flowers give rise to shiny blackish-purple fruit which grow in size to the size of blueberry fruit, turning a blackish purple color. The local songbirds quickly find the berries and consume them all. Leaves are dark green and shiny above, and lighter below. With the shorter days of fall, the leaves turn a very nice purplish red color before they are shed for the winter. Adaptation: Also effective grouped or massed in native plant gardens, open woodland or naturalized areas where its colonial growth habit need not be restricted. It has a good ability to withstand wet conditions, making it suitable for growing along ponds, streams or water gardens. While the fruit are too tart to be eaten fresh, it can be processed into jams and jellies. European countries are currently doing so. Chokeberry sets fruit that are a natural source of pectin, a substance that is used to thicken jams. Pests: None reported.
Data Source
www.pnwplants.wsu.eduPlant Photos
