Aronia

Class

Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledoneae)

Division

Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms)

Family

Rosaceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Aronia

Species

melanocarpa

Description

Aronia melanocarpa, also known as black aronia or black rowan, is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit.
It produces black berries, similar in size to blueberries, covered in a thin layer of wax; they are edible and have a slightly tart flavour. Although it has only recently become widespread in Italy, it adapts very well to climatic conditions that are often difficult for other fruit species. The organoleptic and nutraceutical properties of the fruit make it one of the most promising plants for future cultivation, including in challenging areas.
It is also prized as an ornamental plant for its white flowers, which appear in corymb-like inflorescences in spring, and for its green foliage, which turns red and orange in autumn.
Among the most interesting cultivars are ‘Viking’, ‘Autumn Magic’ and ‘Galicjanka’.

Curiosities and special features

The fruits (berries)of Aronia melanocarpa are characterised by their tart flavour and are eaten fresh or used in products such as jams, jellies and juices.

Valued for their high content of anthocyanins and vitamins C, K and the B complex, they are also used in herbal medicine for infusions and herbal teas.

Origin and distribution

A species native to regions of Canada and eastern North America; it was introduced to Europe in the early 20th century and initially spread mainly in Poland and, more generally, across Eastern Europe as far as Russia, thanks to its resistance to low temperatures.

Leaf

The leaves have an oval, elliptical blade.

Fruit

The fruit is an oval-shaped, seedless berry, weighing between 0.5 and 1 g and of medium firmness. The skin has a smooth surface and a uniform colour. In terms of flavour, it is astringent with a strong taste. It ripens from late summer to autumn. In terms of quality, the fruit is notable for being very rich in antioxidants.

Leaf colour

It has a uniform dark green colour, which turns to reddish-orange in autumn, giving the plant ornamental value as well.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 metres.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous shrub.

Where to plant

Given its size and the shape it develops, it is recommended for use as a shrub in large pots, in open ground or as a hedge.

Stem

The stem is woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small to medium in size, with variegated petals. It grows in medium-sized corymb inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early summer. It has sweet notes, is slightly fragrant, and has a delicate aroma. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A plant with medium to vigorous growth; it generally begins to bear fruit around two to three years after transplanting and maintains a good level of production over a long period.

Plant habit

It develops a bushy habit with an upright stem.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

For aronia, the soil should have a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, with optimal values between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

When preparing the soil for transplanting, remove weeds and any large stones, and apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil; furthermore, if the soil is excessively heavy, it is advisable to work sand into it evenly.

To control weeds and minimise water loss through evapotranspiration, apply mulch (ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the stem).

Sun exposure

To ensure the best possible yield in terms of both quality and quantity , place the plant in partial shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C during the growing season.

The survival temperature range is between -25 and 30 °C.

It tolerates both the harsh winter cold and the summer heat well, provided it is supported by adequate watering.

Use

Thanks to its versatility, it is valued in a range of different sectors:
Agri-food Ornamental sector Medicinal / phytotherapeutic sector

Hardiness

Aparticularly hardy species, it thrives in climatic conditions that other fruit trees do not always tolerate.

Soil

It grows well in various types of soil; however, for optimal growth, the soil should be of medium texture, rich in organic matter, light and well-drained. It does not tolerate overly calcareous soils.

Difficulty

It isfairly easy to grow and requires little maintenance, which makes it all the more practical.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines:
Balanced fertilisation Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight Avoid over-watering A plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen ground. It prefers water with low calcium content

Planting

Plant the tree when it is already dormant, in late autumn or in late winter to early spring, provided the ground is not frozen. Dig a planting hole three or four times as wide as the root ball, mixing mature compost into the soil.
Plant in rows spaced 2m x 3m apart.

If growing in a pot, ensure that it is of a size proportionate to that of the root ball; it must also have holes in the base to ensure proper drainage of excess water.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant season, avoiding periods of severe frost, to remove any dead or damaged branches, thereby keeping the plant more compact and healthy.

Propagation

Vegetative propagation is carried out using cuttings.

Watering

Once it has become properly established at its new planting site, it is a drought-tolerant plant; however, particularly during the hottest part of the year, it is advisable to water the soil regularly, not least to ensure a better final yield.
During the winter, when the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering.

Fertilising

In spring, before new growth begins, spread a balanced fertiliser over the surface of the soil.
During the spring-summer growing season, fertilise every 4–5 weeks with a specific fertiliser rich in potassium to encourage flowering and fruit production.

Edibility for humans

The berries are edible if eaten in the right quantities and at the right stage of ripeness.

Consider the specific case.

Tip

A hardy species, it withstands winter cold well. Avoid calcareous, clayey and poorly-drained soils. The fruits (berries), which have a tangy flavour, are valued for their high content of anthocyanins and vitamins C, K and the B group, and are therefore also used in dietary supplements; they are also eaten fresh or used in products such as jams, jellies and juices.