Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer
Saskatoon serviceberry, Western serviceberry, Juneberry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
This is typically an erect
shrub, 3-18 ft. tall. In rich soils, a single trunk may develop and attain 30 ft. in height. Compact clusters of fragrant, white flowers emerge just before small, light-green,
oval leaves appear. The small, sweet, blue berries ripen by early summer. Fall color is orange to red and takes place for long periods.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf Shape: Cordate ,
Elliptic ,
Ovate Leaf Venation: Pinnate Leaf Margin: Entire ,
Serrate Inflorescence: Raceme Size Notes: Height 4-15 feet, spread 6-8 feet.
Leaf: Green in summer, yellow to reddish in the fall.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Blue or purplish. to 1/4 inch across.
Size Class: 3-6 ft. , 6-12 ft. , 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , CO , ID , IA , MN , MT , NE , NV , ND , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
ON ,
PE ,
SK ,
YT Native Distribution: S. Man. to AK, s. to n.w. IA, n. NE, NM, AZ & CA
Native Habitat: Moist stream banks to drier hillsides; open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This species has been developed for commercial
fruit production. Its berries are 1/3-1/2 in. in diameter and blue-purple. Though it is adaptable to a variety of soil and moisture conditions, it shows some drought intolerance. It often suckers to form colonies. Under favorable conditions, individual bushes may be in bloom for as long as a month.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Use Wildlife: Berries provide food for mammals and birds, and the dense growth provides shelter. The
shrub has good nutrient levels throughout the year. It is browsed mostly in spring when it provides good forage for cattle, goats, sheep, and wild ungulates, although in concentrated doses the twigs and leaves, which contain cyanide compounds can fatally poison these animals.
Use Food: The
fruit of this and related species are eaten fresh, prepared in puddings, pies, and muffins, and dried like raisins and currants. Indigenous people used the
fruit in soups, stews, meat dishes, pemmican and dried cakes.
Use Medicinal: Boiled cambium can be used as a disinfectant. Root infusions were used to prevent miscarriages. Juice was used to cure stomach ailments, and it is a mild laxative. Eye and eardrops were made from mature berries.
Use Other: Arrows and pipe stems made from shoots.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Attracts orange tip and elfin butterflies.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Amelanchier alnifolia is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-02-18
