Amelanchier alnifolia (Juneberry, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry)

Saskatoon Serviceberries are chameleons; their shape and height change to match the habitat. Since they grow in numerous states and in a variety of habitats extending from rocky shores and stream banks to prairies and dry mountain slopes you will find Amelanchier alnifolia both as a shrub and a small tree. If planted in drier climates such as western Colorado they are considered a shrub and grow 4-8′ tall. However, if planted in wet areas like the Pacific Northwest they become small trees topping out at 15′. Regardless of moisture content, they are all adaptable to many soil types. However, they do prefer neutral to acidic soil. It should also be noted that Serviceberries are an important species for reclamation, wildlife, watersheds, and shelterbelt plantings. (Check out our other varieties too.)

Also called Juneberry or Western Serviceberry; these shrubs are fast-growing, multi-stemmed, leafy shrubs. They sucker underground to produce “new” shrubs often forming colonies or thickets. All the varieties of Serviceberries we carry are attractive as an ornamental shrub or may be trimmed as a hedge. In early spring they fill with white flowers which although pretty, don’t generate much smell. However, these early-blooming plants do generate a lot of berries.

Serviceberries are great in pies jams or used as a sweetener. For this reason, there are records of humans gathering seeds and planting these in the earliest exploration journals. But, humans aren’t the only ones who will love these berry-packed shrubs. The serviceberries are eaten by woodpeckers, crows, chickadees, thrushes, towhees, bluebirds, waxwings, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, goldfinches, juncos, grouse, and pheasants. They also provide nectar for hummingbirds

Fun Fact: It was said that when the serviceberry bloomed, it was a sign the ground had thawed enough for graves to be dug to the proper depth and conditions had improved enough for circuit preachers to reach into deep woods settlements to hold church services. Hence the name Serviceberry.