Saskatoon or Western Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia
Rosaceae - Rose
Description
Leaves: Alternate; simple; oval to round; 1" to 2" long; deciduous; coarsely serrate margin; dark green above, paler beneath; petiole 3/8" to 3/4" long.
Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; red-brown to gray-brown; hairy at first, later becoming glabrous.
Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect; similar to downy serviceberry, but in 1" long clusters. Fruit also similar to downy serviceberry; sweet, juicy, edible.
Bark: Thin; brown to gray; smooth.
Wood: Unimportant; similar to downy serviceberry; diffuse-porous.
General: A large shrub or small tree native to most of the northwestern U.S. and western Canada on fairly cool, moist sites. In Utah found in protected, cool canyon locations. Often found in groups due to sprouting from underground stems. Shade tolerant.
Landscape Use: Seldom planted in cultivated landscapes. Zones 3-8.
Cultivars: 'Altaglow', 'Honeywood', 'Northline', 'Parkwood', 'Pembina', 'Smokey', 'Success', "Theissen'.
Characteristics
General
| Family | Rosaceae - Rose |
|---|---|
| Cultivar Availability | Yes |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Type | Broadleaf |
| Utah Native | Yes |
Growth
| Growth Rate | Low |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | Low |
| Longevity | Medium |
| Is Good Under Power Lines | Yes |
| Crown Shapes | Shrubby |
Ornamental
| Bark | No |
|---|---|
| Fall Color | Yes |
| Flowers | Yes |
| Foliage | No |
| Fruit | No |
Tolerance
| Shade | Medium |
|---|---|
| Salt | Medium |
| Drought | High |
| Poor Drainage | Low |
| Alkalinity | High |
| Transplanting | Medium |