Aronia prunifolia
Purple Chokeberry
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Edible uses
Fruit - dried and used for making pemmican. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[3].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Environment
- Range
- Eastern N. America.
- Habitat
- Low woodlands[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 4+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots outdoors or in a cold frame[1]. Pre-soak stored seed overnight and then cold stratify for 3 months at 2°c[1]. The seed germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[2]. 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[1]. Division of suckers in the dormant season[3]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Layering[3].
Cultivation
Prefers a moist peaty soil in full sun or partial shade[3]. Succeeds in most soils but dislikes shallow chalk[3]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[3]. This genus is closely related to Sorbus species[3]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3]. This species is probably a naturally occurring hybrid, A. arbutifolia x A. melanocarpa[3].
References
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5