Standing at approximately 5 feet high and 5 feet wide on its best day, this shrub offers far more than just lovely greenery. Although the clusters of small white flowers in May each year and the burnt orange-to-purple fall foliage colour are wonderful features, it is the fruit that people are talking about.
Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), also referred to as Aronia berries, are small and dark in colour and full of health benefits. Traditionally enjoyed in jams, jellies, juices, teas and wines, these berries are making their way into the health food stores in dried and powdered form. They are an antioxidant powerhouse, so much so that they are supposed to have the highest antioxidant capacity among all berries and other fruits evaluated to date (as of 2012)[1]. High in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, this berry is being praised as a cold preventative and cancer fighter. These wee berries are also high in fibre so they make a great addition to your daily diet. Whole berries have the highest amounts of antioxidants so fresh or dried berries are recommended to get the most benefits for your immune system. For the highest fibre count, your best bet is dried chokeberries. To avoid artificially sweetened products, try making your own juice and teas. As little as a tablespoon a day can make a difference to your immune system. This little berry really packs a punch!
LEAF offers black chokeberry shrubs through the Backyard Tree Planting Program. And if you want to see this beautiful specimen in person, visit the LEAF Learning Garden located in the southwest corner of the park at the Artscape Wychwood Barns.
These shrubs enjoy full sunlight and do well in a number of soil types. The natural rounded shape of the shrub and its multi-stem branching structure make it a beautiful addition to any garden. Its size and shape also allow it to function as an excellent hedge. The black chokeberry is also a bird-friendly option, making it a perfect choice for avian enthusiasts. The berries will fruit until the winter and are a favourite of many bird species, including the cedar waxwing -- so bird watchers be at the ready!
With all these amazing features, the black chokeberry is sure to be the next big super fruit on the market. If you are interested in planting your own this fall, contact us to find out more!
Amy Fedrigo is LEAF’s Residential Planting Programs Assistant.
The Backyard Tree Planting Program is supported by Ontario Power Generation, York Region, Ontario Trillium Foundation, The City of Markham and Toronto Hydro.
[1] http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/aronia-berries-buy-organic.php