Amelanchier alnifolia

Common Names

Saskatoon Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry, Alder-Leaved Serviceberry, Saskatoon, Juneberry, Serviceberry, Pacific Serviceberry

Summary

Amelanchier alnifolia, commonly called Saskatoon or serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree typically 6–10 ft tall and wide that often forms dense colonies by root suckers. Native to western North America, it bears fragrant white flowers in spring before the leaves, followed by edible blue-purple berries and orange to red fall color, with gray bark.

Prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a range of soils from acidic to neutral; hardy in USDA zones 2–9 and drought-tolerant once established. Propagation options include seed, suckers, cuttings, or layering, and division; it often forms colonies by root suckers. Uses include wildlife habitat, edible fruit for fresh eating, jams, or pies, and ornamental plantings such as borders, screens, windbreaks, or naturalized plantings; common pests and diseases may include fireblight, rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker, which can be managed by pruning to improve light and air flow.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-15 feet

Spread

6-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sun daily)

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.1-6.5, slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, red/orange/yellow in autumn

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, orange, and red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate, about 1–2 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds