Ideal for massing in shrub borders or for naturalizing in open woodland gardens.
Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking'
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking'
Tips for Homeowners:
Some pruning and removal of suckers might be necessary to maintain a clean habit in a more tame landscape, but if naturalizing this shrub will readily colonize.
Rate this Plant:
This 4-season shrub is a perfect choice for the home landscape for its beauty, but also for its natural resistance to insects and disease, in fact, it attracts birds and beneficial insects to the garden to help protect other plants in the landscape.
- Vigorous shrub that spreads to form thickets
- Good, multi-season interest
- Attracts beneficial insects and birds
Height: 3-5 ft
Spread: 3-5 ft
Zone: 4 - 9
Color: White
Interesting Notes about Black Chokeberry:
It was believed that birds do not like the berries; they just don't like them until after they have been frosted multiple times. Humans can eat the fruit only if cooked first, otherwise bitter fruit causes choking, but the fruit is very healthy and contain antioxidants. If the berries manage to stay on the shrub they will last into winter for a beautiful display. For the best fruit production, grow in as much sun as possible, but this shrub will tolerate partial shade.
Characteristics & Attributes
Attributes:
- Mass Planting
- Disease Resistant
- Fall Color
- Great Foliage
- Winter Interest
- Border or Bed
- Vigorous
- Naturalizing
- Attractive fruit
- Edible
Foliage Color:
- Purple
- Green
- Burgundy
Exposure:
- Full Sun
- Partial Sun
Attracts Wildlife:
- Attracts Songbirds
- Attracts Pollinators
- Attracts Butterflies
Critter Resistance:
- Deer Resistant
Habit:
- Upright
Season of Interest (Flowering):
- Spring
- Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage):
- Fall
Soil Moisture:
- Wet Soil/Wetlands
- Moist, Well-Drained
- Average Water