RED SEASON

RED SEASON is a variety of chokeberry that can grow as a tree up to 10–15 m high, and sometimes forms a large shrub. In Moscow, this species reaches an average height of 7 m at 53 years old and has a crown width of more than 5 m. The bark is smooth, dark cherry-colored, and the leaves are large, broad-lanceolate, glossy on top and lighter underneath. When the leaves unfold, they are bronze-green in color, and by autumn they turn into various shades of yellow, yellow-orange, and red.

Flowering occurs in spring: large white buds are gathered in cylindrical clusters without scent. Flowers appear about 2–3 weeks later than common chokeberry, and their color lasts up to 5 years. In Moscow, flowering begins in early June. After unfolding, round fruits are formed – first red, then dark black, which are edible and have a sweet taste with a slight astringency.

RED SEASON is valued for the bright color change of leaves throughout the spring-autumn period: young leaves have a dark burgundy shade, gradually become green, and by autumn acquire a rich yellow color. In spring the plant is abundant with fragrant inflorescences that fill the air with a pleasant scent. Fruits can be used to make jam, paste, and compotes, and bark – as an ingredient for medicinal infusions and decoctions.