The Saskatoon Serviceberry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Canada and the northern regions of the United States. This species is fantastic as an ornamental all year round because it produces small white flowers throughout spring. And then in autumn, displays a beautiful range of colourful foliage, while changing from green to red. Saskatoon Serviceberry is also great for attracting beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and birds to the garden.
Other common names of Amelanchier alnifolia include Juneberry, Pidgeon Berry, Western Serviceberry and Western Shadbush.
Amelanchier alnifolia fruits in summer and the sweet tasting berries are used for making pies, jam, wine, cider, beer and cereals.
Growth
Saskatoon Serviceberry can be grown in cold climates as well as in temperate and sub-tropical regions. They can reach a height and width of around 3-4 metres (10-12 feet). This species is deciduous and after a stunning autumn display will go dormant during the winter. Amelanchier alnifolia plants have small fragrant white flowers and the berries are roughly the same size as a blackcurrant.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 30°C / -5 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining moist, slightly acidic soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
4 metres (12 feet).
WIDTH:
Up to 4 metres (12 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0.
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous. Upright, suckering shrub.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees. Bi-sexual, meaning it has both male and female organs on the same flower.
MATURITY:
3-6 years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%.
GERMINATION TIME:
3 months cold stratification, 3-4 weeks germination post sowing dependent on conditions.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 150.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, berries only.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA (Saskatoon Serviceberry)
Wood from the Serviceberry tree can be used to make tool handles and rope while the juice of the fruit has been used to treat upset stomachs, as a laxative and to increase the appetite in children. The plant has also been used to treat lung infections and chest pain.
The city of Saskatoon in Canada is named after the berries and there is an annual festival held in their honour.
The twigs and leaves of Serviceberry plants contain cyanide compounds and can be fatal if eaten in large quantities by livestock such as sheep, cattle, and goats.
