Saskatoon serviceberry.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 2 to 7

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Care

Plant this shrub in well draining soil and keep it consistently moist while it gets established. Watch for powdery mildew on the leaves during humid spells and prune away any dead wood to keep the plant healthy. It is quite hardy and generally thrives without much fuss once settled in.

Watering

Water deeply once a week during the first year, then only during dry spells.

Feeding

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove crossing branches and maintain shape.

Repotting

If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to accommodate root growth.

Soil

Loamy, well draining soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-40 to 35°C

Humidity

30 to 70%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 30 to 50 years

Fragrance

Light

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The plant is generally safe, though the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

Children

The berries are safe for children to eat, but teach them not to consume raw seeds or other plant parts.

Contact allergens

There are no notable skin irritants associated with this plant.

Airborne allergens

The pollen may cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

Ensure you correctly identify the plant before consuming berries as some lookalikes are toxic.

How to identify it

• Oval leaves with serrated margins
• Clusters of white five petaled flowers
• Small edible purple black berries
• Smooth gray bark on branches

Height

2 to 5m

Spread

1.5 to 4m

Leaves

green, yellow, red, deciduous

Flowers

white, 2 to 3cm

Fruit

purple, black, Summer

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• RustCommon
• ChlorosisUncommon
• Fire BlightUncommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• Powdery MildewUncommon
• CaterpillarsRare
• Scale InsectsRare

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings, division

When to plant

spring, fall

Overwintering

It is fully hardy and requires no special protection during winter. Mulch around the base to retain moisture if the winter is particularly dry.

In containers

It can grow in large containers, but prefers the ground for long-term health.

Plant in groups to create a productive edible hedge that provides both food and shelter for songbirds.

Grows well with

• Wild Strawberry · They share similar soil requirements and provide ground cover.
• Chokecherry · They create a naturalistic thicket that supports local bird populations.

Similar species

• Serviceberry · It is a taller, more tree-like relative with similar flowers.

Science

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Amelanchier

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Western and central North America.

Conservation

This species is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in open woodlands and along forest edges where it can access sufficient light.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, nesting site, food for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental shrub, edible landscaping, wildlife habitat, hedgerow

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need two plants for fruit?

While it is self-fertile, planting more than one will significantly increase your fruit yield.

How do I prune it?

Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.

Where the name comes from

Amelanchier is an old French name for a related European species, while alnifolia refers to the alder-like leaves.

Good to know

• The berries were a staple food for Indigenous peoples in North America.
• The wood is extremely hard and was historically used for tool handles.
• It is a member of the rose family.
• The berries are often used in pies, jams, and wine.