Aronia Berry

Aronia berries (Aronia Melanocarpa)grow on a deciduous shrub, often referred to as a "chokeberry". These hardy plants are native to eastern North America and are valued for both their ornamental qualities and their nutritious fruit.

 Aronia shrubs typically grow to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres (5 to 8 feet) and can spread 2.5 to 4 metres (8 to 13 feet) wide, forming a dense, multi-stemmed, upright, and spreading bush. They are known for their ability to spread by root suckers, forming colonies over time.(Suckering Can be kept under control by mowing)

The leaves are simple, glossy, dark green, and finely-toothed throughout the summer. In autumn, they transform into a spectacular display of fiery red, orange, and purple. 

In late spring (typically May in Ireland), the shrubs produce clusters of small, five-petaled white or pale pink flowers. These blooms are often hawthorn-like in appearance and are generally resistant to late spring frosts.

Following the flowers, clusters of small, round berries develop, ripening to a deep purplish-black in late summer to early autumn (August to October). These berries are known for their astringent taste when raw but excellent for processing.

The berries are used for there nutrition and medicinal properties.