McKenzie Aronia

Multi-stemmed perennial deciduous shrub. Hybrid of native chokeberry crossed with European mountain ash. 2022 genetic investigation revealed intergeneric hybrid. Glossy leaves, white fragrant flowers early spring. Selected for conservation use, windbreaks, wildlife plantings.

Showy white flowers with sweet fragrance attracting pollinators. Large clusters purple-black berries hang into fall. Berries bitter fresh, excellent jams, jellies, juice. Self-fertile, improves with another McKenzie. Heavy production. Birds rarely eat berries fresh. Ripens late August-September.

Released 2008 USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center Bismarck, North Dakota with USDA ARS, Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Stations. Collected Former Soviet Union, originated USDA plant breeding program 1976. Selected for conservation plantings, farmstead windbreaks, not commercial fruit production.