Serviceberry/Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia)

2 year old bareroot seedling 7"-12"

Service berries are one of the most significant ethnographic perennial plants in North America. Everyone seems to find a reason to love the plant whether for its delicious berries, ornamental value or wildlife benefits. Serviceberry is important to many indigenous peoples across the continent and was likely bred and improved upon, especially in central Canada. Some describe the texture as almost meat like and the berry was appropriately used to make pemican or dehydrated for later winter use. Preserving a crop of serviceberries includes jams, jellies, wines, vinegars, or dehydration. The leaves turn beautiful fall colors and the showy blossoms are some of the first to be noticed in the spring. Birds and bears appreciate serviceberries and we have seen many bushes toppled and broken by hungry critters only to come shooting back the following seasons.