×Sorbaronia fallax ‘Ivan’s Beauty’- Chokeberry – Mountain-ash Hybrid

Description

In early 20th century Russia crosses between Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) and European Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia) were carried out by pomologist Ivan Michurin. ‘Ivan’s Beauty’ grows as a small tree, resembling the Mountain-ash parent, and has fruit that resemble those of Black Chokeberry, but are purplish-red in color. Use the fruit as you would Chokeberry – the juice is very high in anthocyanins and blends well. The fruits are high in the thickener pectin – add them to other fruits when making preserves; they are sweet and sour – lots of sugar but also low pH and a bit more astringent than Chokeberry. Self-fertile. Fall foliage color is excellent, a deep purplish wine red.