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Amelanchier alnifolia

Image of Amelanchier alnifolia

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

Amelanchier alnifolia

Plant Common Name

Saskatoon Serviceberry

General Description

This is one of the classic small, shrubby deciduous, landscape trees with multi-seasonal beauty. Saskatoon serviceberry displays beautiful white flowers in spring, edible berries in summer and brilliant fall foliage color. Its upright to rounded shrubby shape and smooth light gray branches offer interest in winter.

Native to northwestern North America, this Amelanchier typically has many slender trunks. Its simple, oval, green leaves appear after the showy white flowers in spring. After pollination by bees, small, edible, rosy purple to dark blue fruits develop and are harvestable by summer, if songbirds haven't beaten you to them. These are small, round and have a tart juicy flavor. In autumn the foliage turns lovely shades of red and yellow.

Saskatoon serviceberry prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils, though it tolerates alkaline soils, and a location in sun or partial shade. It makes a lovely addition to woodland gardens, shrub borders and informal hedges. Just be sure to prune off suckering shoots that spread from the main plant. Some selections, such as 'Regent', produce especially sweet fruit, great for preserves.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 3

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    3'-15' / 0.9m - 4.6m (10)

  • Width

    3'-12' / 0.9m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    North America, United States, North-Central United States, Western United States, Northwestern United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Rose, Dark Blue, Plum

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Red, Orange

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Edible, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Mixed Border, Street Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes