Serviceberry, shrub
(Amelanchier alnifolia), Saskatoon
(Amelanchier canadensis), Shadblow
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Zone 3.
Soil: Saskatoon prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil though it is quite tolerant of a range of soils. Shadblow prefers wet sites.
Growth habits: Vigorous, rounded, multiple-stemmed shrub from 6 to 15 feet, depending upon cultural practices. Delightful white flowers in early spring are followed by abundant magenta to blue-black small fruit in July. Tends to form colonies as it ages.
Landscape uses: Shrub, shrub border, foundation plant, orchard.
Edible/Medicinal properties: Sweet, blueberry-sized blue black fruit is loaded with anthocyanins and other antioxidant compounds on par with blueberry. The fruit is delightful for fresh eating, pie making, and making the finest of preserves. Saskatoons are grown as a commercial orchard crop in western Canada and deserve more widespread use in our region.
Serviceberry reference page (pdf)
Available Varieties
Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) - A large shrub or small tree, this serviceberry bears clusters of star-shaped white flowers in spring followed by purple to black fruits. Fall foliage is yellow to red. Makes a good under story tree. 20-30' tall by 10-15' wide. $39.00 / 5 gal., $49 / 7 gal
Shadblow serviceberry, Downy serviceberry (Amalanchier canadensis) - A large shrub or small tree, usually pruned to reveal the bark. 6-20' tall. Sweet, red changing to black fruit. Fall foliage is yellow and falls early. Prefers wet sites. $39.00 / 5 gal., $49.00 / 7 gal