saskatoon serviceberry how to plant

Saskatoon serviceberry (A. alnifolia) is a native of western Minnesota's prairies and is a 6-to-9-foot shrub. Care of Serviceberries Specimens planted in spring take longer to become established in the landscape and require more water initially. Other common names: juneberry, western shadbush, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Pigeon berry. Serviceberry flower and fruit best in full sun, but tolerate some shade. Plant database entry for Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) with 23 images and 35 data details. Its name is derived from a Cree word (misâskwatômina) meaning “the fruit of the tree of many branches." Grow serviceberry trees purchased from a local nursery and plant from spring to early fall in moist, well-drained soils. Peg Aloi is an experienced gardener and writer whose interests include the folklore of plants and herbs. Its edible berries are enjoyed by birds and are edible to humans. Over time, the suckers will cause the plant to form a small colony. In the wild, it can grow significantly larger than in the landscape. Water as needed to keep the soil moist but never soggy. The Plants Database includes the following 4 subspecies of Amelanchier alnifolia . Plant in full sun with protection from the wind, spacing them one to 1.3 metres apart. These plants can be propagated from seed collected from the ripe fruits. This shrub doesn't have any special water needs beyond normal rainfall and can be somewhat drought tolerant. There are two Saskatoon Serviceberry cultivars that can accommodate different size and shape preferences: the "Regent" is a compact version that grows only four to six feet tall and wide, and the "Standing Ovation" grows from twelve to fifteen feet high but only two to three feet wide. Don’t fertilize Saskatoon shrubs at planting time. Use by Wildlife: Saskatoon serviceberry is a valuable wildlife plant. HOW TO GROW SERVICEBERRY IN THE ORNAMENTAL GARDEN. Saskatoon shrubs are attractive plants that bloom in spring and produce scads of bluish-purple Saskatoon berries in summer. Serviceberry (or juneberry or saskatoon berry) is in the same family as roses, apples, and plums. A type of serviceberry, Saskatoon shrubs are especially valued for their cold-hardiness, as this tough plant can survive numbing temperatures of -60 F. (-51 C.). There are a few pests to be aware of with this shrub, including fireblight, mildew, rust, fungal leaf spots, and cankers. Small blue-green leaves turn brilliant yellow and red in fall and the light gray bark is smooth with vertical streaks add winter interest. Serviceberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the rose family (Rosaceae). 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Put in a large amount of water, and wait for the soil and root to fully absorb this liquid. alnifolia Show All Show Tabs Saskatoon serviceberry Attractive to pollinators, they are followed by abundant, edible, dark purple berries in summer. Young plants will begin to produce berries in their third year. However, if you're after the biggest, sweetest berries, plant them in deep, rich soil and keep them watered through the summer. Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! var. Attractive to pollinators, they are followed by small, sweet, blue berries in early summer. It will tolerate alkaline soil and is also tolerant of ... Light. The serviceberry can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–8. Soil / Climate: Saskatoon is native to North America and adaptable to most soil types but prefers moist soils in swamps and thickets. Most Saskatoon bushes are self-fruiting, which means it isn’t necessary to plant another bush nearby. The city of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan is named for it. It provides three seasons of visual interest, with fragrant, pendulous white blossoms in spring tha attract butterflies, juicy purple berries (also called Juneberries) in summer which are beloved by birds, and a dramatic autumn color switch when the leaves turn from bluish green to brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Nearly any type of well-drained soil is suitable for Saskatoon bushes, although the shrubs don’t do well in heavy clay. A light dressing of manure every other autumn will keep the root system healthy. This toxicity is destroyed after cooking or drying. Since it is somewhat prone to mildew, humidity can also be an issue. To make your soil more acidic, add some peat moss, pine needles or coffee grounds. This shrub grows best in a slightly acidic, moist (but not wet) and well-drained soil. If you want to get technical, the botanical name for juneberry is amelanchier. Many pests can be controlled by regular use of insecticidal soap spray. Begin with disease- and pest-free stock from a reputable nursery, as Saskatoon bushes are vulnerable to pests and disease. Make a hole in the soil which is about 5 times as wide as the root ball. Cultivation and uses. It would look terrific as a shrub border or planted in front of a dark backdrop to highlight the Serviceberry's colors. Beyond yearly pruning, the Saskatoon Serviceberry requires no special care. Mulch the shrub to control weeds and keep the soil evenly moist. Domesticated for fruit production, Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) is a deciduous, upright, suckering shrub with four seasons of interest. Amend the soil by digging in organic matter such as compost, grass clippings or chopped leaves. For gardens or hand-picked field crops, space your rows 10 to 12 feet apart. Notes: Leaves are 1.5 – 2.5 inches, oblong-elliptic in shape, and finely toothed. Seedlings are planted with 13–20 feet (4.0–6.1 m) between rows and 1.5–3 feet (0.46–0.91 m) between plants. Saskatoon berries, with a flavor reminiscent of cherry with a hint of almond, are rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants. Keep weeds in check; Saskatoon shrubs don’t compete well. It is an edible, medicinal, and ornamental plant. Serviceberry ?Saskatoon? Today people use the fruit for making pastries, jellies and syrups. Drainage It’s not as picky as blueberries as far as drainage is concerned, but a well-drained soil can really help it out a lot, like loam soil . If you plan to use a me-chanical harvester for a commercial farm, the row spacing will be wider. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry, Indian Pear, Prairie Berries, Juneberries, North America (Northeast and Midwest USA, Canada). Plant in autumn if possible. A compact serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' (Serviceberry) is an ornamental shrub which provides multi-season interest. Seeds can be sown in fall or, using a cold-stratification method, in spring. cially during winter, plant saskatoons in locations where they will be sheltered from the wind. While you cut away a rooted sucker, remove debris from the base of the plant that could harbor rust and scab. Soil — Plant in acidic, fertile, moist but well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Consult with the harvesting In extended periods of drought, however, lasting more than two weeks, or more than a week with daily temperatures over 85F, a deep watering at the base of the tree will help keep it healthy. The taste can be somewhat bland owing to their being more sweet than tart, and, like blueberries, fresh lemon zest or juice is often used to boost their flavor in recipes. Also known as western juneberry, prairie berry or western serviceberry, Saskatoon bush (Amelanchier alnifolia) is native to the area extending from the inland Northwest and the Canadian prairies to the southern Yukon. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) Soil. Tree Type Mature Size The downy serviceberry grows to a height of 15–25' and a spread of 15–25' at maturity. It should get a minimum of four hours of direct light per day to ensure proper fruiting of its berries in summer. The Saskatoon Serviceberry has blue/green foliage and beautiful red and yellow fall color. More Varieties of Serviceberry Credit: Jay Wilde 'Regent' Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' is a compact shrub that grows 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. These shrubs can also be used to form a hedge or thicket if desired; expect them to fill up with birds as the thick growth makes a great hiding place for them, especially when filled with berries. Don’t worry about the plant becoming invasive, as serviceberry trees can be grown near to buildings without problems. (Here’s an explanation of its origin if you’re curious.) Mature Height: 10-20 ft. The clusters of fragrant, white drooping flowers appear in spring, followed by large, bluish-purple berries which are juicy and edible. Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) The Saskatoon Serviceberry is a beautiful ornamental shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall. This will also improve texture and drainage of clay soil. ex M. Roem. View Map. Smooth serviceberry (A. laevis) is larger shrub or small tree, often reaching heights of 40 to 45 feet, and is native to east central Minnesota. Growing Saskatoon Bushes. Sign up for our newsletter. Space plants 12 to 15 feet apart, or group trees closer together to form a … Serviceberry is an easy plant to grow. They grow in many conditions, from sea level to mountain peaks, and are less pi… is a deciduous shrub or small tree with edible fruit similar to blueberries. If the root system becomes exposed, add some topsoil around the base. Although they will grow well in both part shade and full sun, planting in full sun is recommended if you want the best tasting and largest harvest of fruit. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for subspecies profiles. They are also available throughout the year when frozen. Very cold winters or very hot summers are not suitable for this shrub's growing habit. Plant trees 9 feet (2.5 m.) apart as a hedgerow for serviceberry fruit production. Presently, most juneberry plant material can only be sourced in Canada. Saskatoon Serviceberry Plant Profile. They are also high in fiber, protein and antioxidants. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. – Saskatoon serviceberry Subordinate Taxa. Nearly any type of well-drained soil is suitable for Saskatoon bushes, although the shrubs don’t do well in heavy clay. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. A type of serviceberry, Saskatoon shrubs are especially valued for their cold-hardiness, as this tough plant can survive numbing temperatures of -60 F. (-51 C.). In mid spring, compact clusters of fragrant, white flowers emerge just before the leaves. Saskatoon bushes generally reach heights of 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.), depending on the cultivar. It’s best to water at the base of the shrub and avoid sprinklers, as damp foliage makes the shrub more susceptible to fungal diseases. #FSS1 - Serviceberry Shadblow (Amelanchier canadensis) Masses of white, early spring flowers emerge before any trees leaf out, edible purple/red fruit in mid-summer, then bright yellow to red foliage in fall. Prune Saskatoon shrubs to remove dead and damaged growth. Native plant to the American Great Plains, it is quite drought tolerant. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. It will tolerate alkaline soil and is also tolerant of clay soil. Because they bloom early and the flowers are vulnerable to frost damage, select areas with good air drainage to avoid frost pockets. Growth Rate This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. Like blueberries, they also contain many beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, magnesium, iron, vitamin E, and fiber: toss them in your morning smoothie for a nutritional boost. Nutt. Below is a list of sources of juneberry plants, courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County. However, don’t mulch until late spring when the soil is warm and relatively dry. The Saskatoon Serviceberry does equally well in full sun or partial sun. Many would describe the taste of saskatoon as having a sweet, nutty almond flavor. Some people enjoy the berries also; they have a blueberry-like flavor and can be used in much the same way for making pies, cobblers, or preserves. By working compost into the soil before you plant it, it will help in the strong establishment of the plant because of excellent maintenance of the moisture in the soil. Nets are often used to protect fruit from hungry birds. The branches can grow quite thick, and benefit from yearly pruning in early spring or autumn. It will tolerate wet sites and transplants easily. This is an excellent landscape specimen for planting along the edges of woodland gardens or large border plantings. Serviceberry trees grow fast and can quickly fill a garden. The Saskatoon Serviceberry tree is native to North America and is found throughout the North, Central and Midwestern United States, including Alaska, and western Canada. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The Saskatoon Serviceberry has a fairly narrow hardiness range and does not flourish in areas with extreme temperatures. Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia) look much like blueberries, though they are more closely related to the apple family. Saskatoon Serviceberries are hardy plants that only need occasional attention. Saskatoons prefer to grow in a moist, yet free draining soil, therefore it is important to water plants well during prolonged dry periods, especially during the first couple of years when they are establishing. ex M. Roem. The tree, which is technically a shrub, grows to a height of eight to ten feet, and reaches six or seven feet in width. Similarly, fall color may vary from red to bright yellow. Saskatoons ripen in early summer on the coast and late summer … The wood is extremely heavy and hard and is occasionally made into tool handles. Berries ripen in late June or early July. When ordering, make sure you ask for Amelanchier alnifolia, which is known in Canada and the Midwest U.S. as saskatoon berry. Nutt. In mid spring, before the leaves appear, it produces masses of showy and slightly fragrant white flowers held in upright clusters. Though some gardeners find the berries to be messy, you may find your array of songbirds becomes more diverse with a serviceberry planted in your yard. It forms root suckers, and if allowed to grow, will result in the plant growing as a shrub rather than a tree. What is a Saskatoon bush? This species produces the best quality fruit. Where to find Juneberry Plants. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Grow and Care for a Weeping Willow Tree. Pruning should be done in the fall in order to avoid excessive loss of sap. An individual bush may bear fruit 30 or more years. To be on the safe side, don't eat too many fresh serviceberries. The berries are often cooked into pies. However, a second bush can sometimes generate larger harvests. Saskatoon Bush Care Saskatoon or western serviceberry is a medium to large upright, multi-stemmed shrub with four-season interest. In early American folklore, the plant’s flowering time signaled pioneers that the ground had thawed enough in spring for the burial of the winter’s dead. Clean the seeds immediately to prevent any fermentation. The seeds of the Saskatoon Serviceberry can be toxic if eaten in a large quantity (similar to apple seeds; indeed, this plant is more closely related to apple trees than to blueberry shrubs). This shrub grows best in a slightly acidic, moist (but not wet) and well-drained soil. These shrubs grow somewhat slowly, but over time can easily form colonies, so keep an eye out for root suckers and trim them to keep growth under control; if a hedge is desired, plant them five feet apart. Saskatoons can grow to be large plants. It is an edible, medicinal, and ornamental plant. The Saskatoon Serviceberry does equally well in full sun or partial sun. Pruning also improves air circulation throughout the foliage. This Serviceberry cultivar tends to flower early in the spring with ¾ inch, 5-petaled white flowers. Check Saskatoon bushes for pests frequently, as Saskatoon shrubs are vulnerable to aphids, mites, leafrollers, sawflies and others. Saskatoons are adaptable to most soil types with exception of poorly drained or heavy clay soils lacking organic matter. The berries can be frozen for future use. Three ways to propagate serviceberries. Prolonged drought may affect the production of berries, also, as is found with other berries. Rabbits and mice may also enjoy chewing on the bark; one natural cure for this is spraying with a solution of water with shaved Irish Spring soap (dissolve one shaved bar into one quart hot water, then dilute with two gallons on water; shake before using). The Regent Saskatoon Serviceberry is an early-flowering, ornamental shrub.

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