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Saskatoon serviceberry

Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia var. humptulipensis

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

The Saskatoon serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier alnifolia, is a versatile plant valued for its edible berries and ornamental qualities. It is also known by several common names, reflecting its wide distribution and varied uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) potentials of saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) were compared to chokecherry.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces berries that are attractive for consumption.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem.
  • Common Names: Saskatoon, Pacific serviceberry, western serviceberry, alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, chuckley pear, western juneberry, juneberry, pigeon berry, serviceberry, shadbush.
  • 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, Saskatoon serviceberry
    • Amelanchier alnifolia var. cusickii
    • Amelanchier alnifolia var. semiintegrifolia (Hook.) C.L. Hitchc.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, including regions of Canada and the United States.
  • One variety, the Saskatoon berry, once grew in profusion in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
  • Also found in northern California and the Sierra mountains.
  • Hardy to zone (UK) 2.
  • Native to the Great Plains region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Deciduous shrub, sometimes a small tree, typically 1-5 m (3-16 ft) tall, but can grow to 20-25 feet high or even up to 18 feet tall.
  • Grows at a medium rate.
  • Multi-stemmed.
  • Young branches are reddish-brown.
  • Bark: Thin brown to gray smooth.
  • Spreads by rhizomes or rooting branch ends, forming dense colonies.
  • Leaves: Deep green
  • Flowers: Clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers appearing in April-July.
  • Fruit: Purplish-black berries, similar to blueberries, appearing in mid-summer.

Ecological Role

  • Fruits are loved by birds.

Uses

  • Edible berries, used fresh, cooked in pies and jams, or dried.
  • Ornamental shrub or small tree, used as a shrub border or backdrop.