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Saskatoon serviceberry
Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
Family: Rosaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Amelanchier alnifolia: The Saskatoon Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia, commonly known as saskatoon, Pacific serviceberry, western serviceberry, alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, chuckley pear, or western juneberry, is a versatile and beautiful plant native to North America.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions studies involving feeding Amelanchier alnifolia twigs to cattle to determine toxicity.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces berries that are commonly used in pies and jams.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem.
- Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
- Genus: Amelanchier
- Synonyms: Aronia alnifolia, Amelanchier canadensis pumila, Amelanchier glabra, Amelanchier cusickii
- Varieties: Amelanchier alnifolia var. alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer, Amelanchier alnifolia var. cusickii
Common Names
- Saskatoon
- Pacific serviceberry
- Western serviceberry
- Alder-leaf shadbush
- Dwarf shadbush
- Chuckley pear
- Western juneberry
- Juneberry
- Serviceberry
- Shadbush
- Pigeon berry
Distribution and Habitat
Amelanchier alnifolia is native to North America, including regions like the Great Plains and areas such as northern California and the Sierra mountains. One variety, the Saskatoon berry, was once abundant in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing to 1-5 meters (3-16 feet) tall, but can reach up to 8 meters (26 feet) in height.
- Grows at a medium rate.
- Young branches are reddish-brown.
- Often spreading by rhizomes or rooting branch ends to form dense colonies.
- Bark is thin, brown to gray, and smooth.
- Clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers appear in spring.
- Produces purplish-black, edible fruit in mid-summer.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- The text mentions that the fruit is loved by birds.
Cultivation and Uses
- Hardy to zone (UK) 2.
- Saskatoon berries are edible and used in pies, jams, and wine-making.
- Often planted for its looks and edible berries.
- Can be used as a shrub border or planted in front of a dark backdrop.
- Early-flowering and ornamental.
Quirky Facts
- Saskatoon berries, while resembling blueberries, are more closely related to the apple family.
- The plant has been referred to as a "blueberry tree" in the trade.
Further Information
For more information, you can visit Dave's Garden, a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.