Aronia melanocarpa (Photinia melanocarpa)
Origin: Eastern and Cental US
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~20 Berries
Germination tested: 6/2021: 1% (Hard seed: 0% Dormant seed: 86%)
Life cycle: Woody Perennial
Zones: 3-8
Vigorous multi-stemmed native shrub that grows to a maximum of 6’. Valued and bred as a landscaping plant. Edible, superfood, berries are being developed by some commercial farmers for juice and jam. Berries are high in pectin and make a great mixed fruit jam, as well as pemmican. Be warned that they are fairly astringent and should be eaten super ripe, and even after a frost or two (that will further develop their sugars). Of great value to insects and birds, make sure to protect from deer. Commonly called Black Chokeberry, more recently it has been branded as Aronia.
6'hx6'w. Medium Soil. Full-Part Sun. White bloom May, June.
Cold Stratify 90 days, or Fall seed.
These seeds were produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.
Growing Tips: Cold Stratify 90 days, or Fall seed.
