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Description
Aronia Melanocarpa Viking, also known as black chokeberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to North America, but it is now widely cultivated in Europe and Asia for its ornamental value and its edible fruits. The Aronia Melanocarpa Viking is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its attractive foliage and berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Aronia |
Appearance
The Aronia Melanocarpa Viking is a dense, multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves that turn reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring, which are followed by black, berry-like fruits in the late summer. The fruits are about 1/4 inch in diameter and grow in clusters. The fruits are edible but are very tart and are mainly used for making jams, jellies, and juices.
Care Guide
The Aronia Melanocarpa Viking is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aronia Melanocarpa Viking is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by the following pests and diseases:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can damage the leaves of the plant. You can control them by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap.- Japanese beetles: These beetles can defoliate the plant. You can control them by handpicking them or using a pesticide.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. You can prevent it by keeping the plant dry and removing any infected leaves.
Habitat
The Aronia Melanocarpa Viking is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, and wooded areas. It is commonly cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value and its edible fruits.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Aronia Melanocarpa Viking be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I prune the Aronia Melanocarpa Viking?
A: The plant does not require much pruning. You can prune it in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Are the fruits of the Aronia Melanocarpa Viking poisonous?
A: No, the fruits are not poisonous, but they are very tart and are mainly used for making jams, jellies, and juices.
Q: Can the Aronia Melanocarpa Viking tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant requires regular watering and cannot tolerate drought.
Related Plants
– Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry)- Aronia prunifolia (purple chokeberry)- Aronia x prunifolia ‘Brilliant’ (brilliant chokeberry)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Aronia melanocarpa. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h810- University of Missouri Extension. (n.d.). Black Chokeberry. Retrieved from https://extension.missouri.edu/trees-plants/black-chokeberry
