The Saskatoon is very similar to the Blueberry. http://www.about-garden.com/images_data/2764-amelanchier-alnifolia-1.jpg Common Name: Saskatoon Other Names: Saskatoon Serviceberry, Pacific Serviceberry, Alder-Leaved Serviceberry/Shadbush, Western Juneberry, Pigeon Berry Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia Family: Rosacaea Saskatoons ready to eat! https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZaM0DeZTTbQyy_J6X6zg79B9M_hTeaWDzMv4rdfdeXcPWC4lrYvya4BAAh2D3B36B71vjsplhyOoZwXdmhZk-uGpp06rRbyFQvH9I72LKo_fmeIITSUD1gGjg3pDu67iPyw4wfkfQWo/s1600/P1080896+Amalanchier+Glacier+NP.JPG Description: This medium to very large shrub produces fruit that to many are interchangeable with blueberries. Some think they have a more almond flavor others a hint of apple. I think they just taste like blueberries. Amelanchier alnifolia http://www.pfaf.org/UserFilesCms/AmelanchierAlnifolia.jpg History: Native to northwestern and north central North America. Has been gaining popularity over the last decade or so with commercial growers in the north. Trivia: Can grow from seal level to over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters). The city, Saskatoon (in Saskatchewan, Canada) is named after the berry. Saskatoon pie! http://thumbs.ifood.tv/files/images/food/saskatoon-pie-01.jpg Or for a healther recipe, just switch Saskatoons for Blueberries... Filet Mignon with Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce USING THIS PLANT Primary Uses: Fresh eating. Cooked. Baked in desserts (pies, tarts, etc.) Preserves, jams, jelly. Dried. Main ingredient or flavor component in wine, beer, and cider. Can be used to make pemmican (a Native American preserved food of meat and fruit) Secondary Uses: General insect (especially bees) nectar plant. Summer food for wildlife (especially birds). Hedges. Windbreaks. Very tough wood, but small - good for tool handles. Has been used to make rope and baskets. Ornamental. Leaves have been used as a tea substitute, although this genus of plants is known to contain a precursor to cyanide in the leaves. It is very likely that heat destroys this toxin, but caution is advised. History of many medicinal uses by Native Americans. Yield: about 10 lbs (4.5 kg) per plant Harvesting: Summer (June-July) Storage: Fresh berries can be stored in a cool dry place for just over a week http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3371/3182962549_5378a3cf6b_z.jpg http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/PCD3612/PCD3612_IMG0030.JPG http://ecologyadventure2.edublogs.org/files/2011/04/Amelanchier_alnifolia050805_11-txci58.jpg The flowers of the Saskatoon are individually and collectively beautiful. DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7 (depending on the variety) AHS Heat Zone: No reliable information available Chill Requirement: There is a strong likelihood, but no reliable information can be found Plant Type: Medium to Very Large Shrub Leaf Type: Deciduous Forest Garden Use: Shrub Layer Cultivars/Varieties: Many varieties available. Pollination: Self-Pollinating/Self-Fertile Flowering: Spring. April-June Life Span: Years to Begin Bearing: 2-5 years Years to Maximum Bearing: 12-15 years Years of Useful Life: 30-50 Autumn colors make Saskatoon an ornamental plant as well. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3153/2297660860_d787efb26c_z.jpg PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT Size: 6-15 feet (2-4.5 meters) tall and 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) wide Roots: Spreading and suckering system of roots. Growth Rate: Medium http://www.pfaf.org/UserFilesCms/AmelanchierAlnifolia.jpg GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT Light: Prefers full sun Shade: Tolerates light shade (about 50%) Moisture: Medium pH: tolerates a wide range (5.1-8.5) Special Considerations for Growing: Sunshine is needed for fruit to ripen, so plan and plant accordingly. http://seedsofsuccess.smugmug.com/Other/Student-Conservation/pic-6/279456925_33yjQ-L-1.jpg Propagation: By seed (needs 5-18 months cold stratification). Seed produce plants true to type (i.e. almost identical to parent plants). Layering (can take 18 months). Division of at least two year old suckers (in late Winter). Maintenance: Minimal once established. Birds love to eat the fruit, so consider netting. Concerns: Poisonous – Leaves contain a precursor to cyanide (large amounts can cause death).
