Saskatoon Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia

The Saskatoon serviceberry is a deciduous shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae).  In western and central North America where it is native, it grows along moist stream banks, dry hillsides, swamps, tickets, and open woods.  The genus name refers to Amelanchier ovalis which is a European plant in this genus.  The specific epithet refers to the similarity of the leaves to the common alder.

The shrub is erect and grows 3-18 feet tall and 6-8 feet.  With rich, moist soils, it can reach 30 feet in height.  Easily tolerates a variety of moisture, soil, and light conditions.  For the best berries and long-lasting flowers, grow in rich, well-drained loamy soils and full sun.  It is drought and salt tolerant. Propagation by seeds, separation of suckers, spring hardwood cuttings, and summer softwood cuttings.

Mammals and birds eat the berries.  The plant was developed commercially for fruit consumption by humans.  The Canadians promote it as a superfruit. The leaves contain cyanide and can be fatal to animals if consumed in large quantities.  The plant is attractive all year with fragrant flowers in the spring, sweet berries in the summer, colorful fall foliage, and interesting bark and branch structure in the winter.

Grow in a border, woodland, or naturalized area as a specimen or for wildlife.  Use on slopes and banks for erosion control.  When mass planting close together, it creates a hedge and a windbreaker.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Cedar-apple rust, leaf spot, fireblight, brown rot, canker, powdery mildew, and black leaf can damage this plant.  Insects include apids, thrips, mites, bud moths, and sawflies.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Amelanchier.