Purple Chokeberry (Aronia prunifolia)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −34.4 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a moist peaty soil in full sun or partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. This genus is closely related to Sorbus species. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species is probably a naturally occurring hybrid, A. arbutifolia x A. melanocarpa.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots outdoors or in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring. Since this species is believed to be a hybrid it will probably not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Layering.
Edible uses
Fruit - dried and used for making pemmican. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.
Habitat
Low woodlands.
Native range
Eastern N. America.