Aronia (black chokeberry)
Aronia melanocarpa
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Aronia melanocarpa, a shrubby Rosaceae of eastern North America ('chokeberry'). Its berries, very astringent when raw, are eaten cooked or processed (jellies, juice). Source: Plants For A Future, “Aronia melanocarpa”.
Sun to partial shade
Ordinary, cool; tolerates moisture and acid soils, very accommodating
Moderate
Extremely hardy (~-30 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Self-fertile
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
A small deciduous shrub of remarkable hardiness and robustness, almost free of pests. Nectar-bearing white flowering in spring, blazing foliage in autumn, and clusters of astringent black berries very rich in anthocyanins (juice, jelly, drying). Self-fertile, productive, and maintenance-free: an ideal fruit tree for beginners or for difficult corners.
Good companions
Seasons & availability
Black berries gathered in late summer, in August and September.
Available: August, September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Ohio State University Extension, « Growing Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) in Ohio », fiche ANR-0157 (ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0157)
- Jardiner Malin, « Aronia : culture, entretien et bienfaits de l'arbuste aux baies noires » (jardiner-malin.fr/fiche/aronia.html)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Strong astringency when raw (tannins): prefer the well-ripe and processed fruits. No known toxicity in food use.
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: ordinary, cool; tolerates moisture and acid soils, very accommodating.
- • Classic companion: Comfrey.