Aronia

Aronia melanocarpa

Beautiful, very productive and easy to grow, aronia is popular in Eastern Europe, where it is widely used in delicious juices, soft drinks, jams and wine. The handsome, disease-resistant bushes have dark green, oval foliage and grow about 5'-6' tall with an equal spread. Charming bundles of white spring flowers develop into clusters of glossy, round, violet-black berries with a strong, tart flavor that comes from high flavonoid/anti-oxidant content. Fruit is naturally high in vital vitamins and minerals, and in fall, the foliage changes to a rainbow of stunning oranges and reds. Although aronia is native to the Eastern U.S, the best varieties were bred in Europe. Aronia is self-fertile. Zones 3-9.