Viking Choke Berry (Aronia)
'Viking' was selected in Europe for use in orchards but gardeners quickly discovered it's many attributes as a landscape plant. Masses of fragrant, white flowers bloom in spring a bit earlier than the species. Gorgeous red fall colors and extra large berries follow the glossy summer foliage. Persistent, purplish black berries are high in nutrients and can be used for pies and jellies or left on the shrub to provide food for birds and other wildlife. The berries can persist into spring feeding the first returning robins.
Viking' is a self-fertile, so you need plant only one for a full
crop of berries. It needs no pruning, is quite drought resistant as a
native shrub, has proven remarkably resistant to pests and diseases. In
other words, it is low maintenace.
Aronia berries are harvested in September and October and are quite
sour, hence the common name, Chokeberry. Enjoy them in an array of
foods as they are rich in vitamins. One of the true super fruits, they
are high in antioxidants with huge health benefits.