Intro
Saskatoon, Serviceberry, Shadbush or Juneberry, Amelanchier is a great addition to pollinator and edible gardens. Masses of simple white flowers are well loved by native pollinators and are followed by blueberry like fruits that are well loved by birds, bears and people. They make wonderful jams, pies and cordials! The fall colour is marvelous and the upright vase shaped shrub is a pretty silhouette in the winter.
History
Amelanchier is native to North America, some parts of Europe and there are even some species native to Eastern Asia. It is an important plant for the First Peoples and the berries were used fresh and dried while the wood was used for bows, digging sticks and drying racks. The name Saskatoon came from the Cree word misâskwatômina which means early berry. The city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is named after this plant.
Planting
Saskatoon thrives in a full to part sun position in neutral to acidic loamy soil with good drainage. These tall shrubs/small trees are best grown as multi-stemmed vase shaped shrubs but can also be trained as single trunked small trees. The average height is 15 feet tall by about 6 to 8 feet wide with some variations in height and width depending on the cultivar. They are very hardy to about zone 4 and are a fantastic addition to a wildlife garden.
Container
While not recommended you can keep them in a larger container for a few years if needed. Check drainage and add compost or forest mulch as topdressing.
Pollination
Amelanchier alnifolia is self fruitful. Flowers have both male and female parts and the pollen is transported by native bees, flies and birds. The flowers of Amelanchier are sweetly scented and are nectar and pollen rich.
Pruning
Other than removing dead or damaged branches and perhaps thinning some branches out completely there is little pruning needed on a multi-trunked Amelanchier. For tree-form some winter thinning may be needed to ensure an open habit and good shape.