Post by garrickredmond on Jan 28, 2011 3:56:24 GMT -5
The Viking black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a deciduous shrub in the family Rosaceae. These are most commonly found in wet woods and swamps. They are favored by gardeners and are cultivated as ornamental plants and also because they are very high in antioxidant pigment compounds, like anthocyanins. This shrub has white flowers in May with dark green foliage. The foliage morphs first to red, and then to purple in the fall and this is a beautiful sight which makes building inspectors advice home owners to cultivate them during pre purchase inspections Sydney home owners get done before they buy a property. These shrubs reach a height of three inches to five inches and spreads out to a similar measurement. This plant tolerates wet soil better than most.
The Viking black chokeberry produces berries that grow in clusters and are a blackish- purple in color. The name “chokeberry” comes from the astringency which is the dry, puckering mouth feel caused by tannins found in the fruits. Although this makes it not edible for humans, the berries that taste bitter remain on the shrub well into the winter and serve as an emergency food source for birds. Therefore this shrub is a favorite of birdwatchers as well. The berries of this shrub could be used to make wine, jam, syrup, juice, soft spreads, tea and tinctures. The medium dark green glossy leaves make this plant an excellent choice for hedge. In autumn, the color changes from deep orange to bright carmine red. Another advantage is that it is self fertile and needs no pruning to encourage fruiting.
The Viking black chokeberry produces berries that grow in clusters and are a blackish- purple in color. The name “chokeberry” comes from the astringency which is the dry, puckering mouth feel caused by tannins found in the fruits. Although this makes it not edible for humans, the berries that taste bitter remain on the shrub well into the winter and serve as an emergency food source for birds. Therefore this shrub is a favorite of birdwatchers as well. The berries of this shrub could be used to make wine, jam, syrup, juice, soft spreads, tea and tinctures. The medium dark green glossy leaves make this plant an excellent choice for hedge. In autumn, the color changes from deep orange to bright carmine red. Another advantage is that it is self fertile and needs no pruning to encourage fruiting.