Easy-to-grow compact multi-stemmed deciduous shrub. Hybrid of Aronia melanocarpa and mountain ash from Ivan Michurin breeding. Lustrous dark green foliage turning striking bright red in fall. Low-bushy high-yielding variety difficult to propagate. Vigorous and productive. White blossom clusters spring. Large jet-black to very dark blue berries ripen late summer, blueberry-sized. Good for juice, wine, baking. Self-fertile, fruit production benefits from planting 2 different varieties. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Berries astringent raw, best with sweetener or processing. Developed Poland by Piotr Eggert. First article on Polish aronia berries 1978. 'Nero Eggert' registered Poland after 45 years selection, one of few documented varieties globally. Selected Russia for commercial fruit production, introduced United States last 25 years. Common commercial variety with Viking and Galicjanka.
