Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry)

Deciduous low spreading shrub to small tree up to 23 ft. tall with white flower clusters, blooming April to August. Adapted to a wide range of soils, but preferring moist, well drained and acidic soils; up to 10,000 ft. elevation. Similar to and hybridizes with Utah serviceberry (A. utahensis). Intolerant of saline soils and high water tables; able to establish on granitic mine spoils. Common throughout its range. Forms rhizomatous thickets in open woods, conifer forests, grasslands, along streambanks and other riparian zones. Good to excellent browse for large wildlife. Valuable berries and cover for birds and small mammals. Caterpillar host of the moth Setagrotis pallidicollis.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Asteraceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Forb

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: 

Height: 3-15 ft.

Bloom Color: White, occasionally pink

Bloom Period: Late Spring

Annual Precipitation:  8-26 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Medium

Elevation: up to 9,000 ft.

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: High

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance: Low

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 6.0-8.0


SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 3,400,000

Seeding Rate:  0.25-1 PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall/Winter

Germination Time:


VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS

None