Amelanchier sanguinea var. alnifolia
(Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem.
Saskatoon serviceberry, Western Shad bush
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University of Vermont
Summary
Source: WikipediaAmelanchier sanguinea, known as red-twigged shadbush or roundleaf serviceberry, is a shrub native to eastern and central North America. Its native range stretches from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan south as far as northern Georgia. It is most common in eastern Canada, the northeastern United States, and the Great Lakes region. Amelanchier sanguinea is a shrub that can grow up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall, and has edible sweet-flavored fruits that are red when young and become purple or dark-blue when they ripen. Like all Amelanchier fruit, these resemble berries, but are technically pomes. Varieties Amelanchier sanguinea var. gaspensis Wiegand Amelanchier sanguinea var. grandiflora (Wiegand) Rehder Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea
Description
A shrub which grows 4-9 m high and 3 m across. In high altitude zones it is low and straggly. It spreads by stolons or runners, forming a thicket. The trunk can be 20 cm across. The bark is grey or brown and thin and smooth. The leaves are oval and 2-5 cm across. The base is rounded. There are coarse teeth along the edge. The flowers are white. They are 2-3 cm wide. They have 5 narrow white petals. The fruit are purple and 15 mm across. The fruit are edible. There are many named cultivated varieties.
Edible Uses
The purple fruits are eaten raw or cooked, tasting similar to blueberries, and can be dried like raisins or used in puddings, pies, muffins, jelly, and jam. The leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They are like blueberries in appearance and taste. They can be dried and eaten like raisins. They are used in puddings, pies and muffins. They can be used for jelly and jam. The leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Distribution
A temperate plant. They prefer well drained moist soils. They are cold and drought tolerant. It grows naturally in moist soils in Western and Central North America. It grows up to 1800 m altitude. It prefers a rich loamy soil. It has a chilling requirement. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Where It Grows
Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America, Tasmania, USA,
Cultivation
They can be grown from seed, cuttings or suckers. The seeds are cleaned and stored at -4°C in a sealed container for 3 months. Plants need to be 2-3 m apart. Plants can be sown in autumn and allowed to get cold treatment in the site.
Notes
There are about 25-30 Amelanchier species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Alderleaf serviceberry, Dwarf Service-berry, Sq'sk
References (28)
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