Serviceberry/Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Saskatoons are an invaluable addition to food forests and permaculture systems, providing nutritious fruit for humans and wildlife while enhancing biodiversity. Their deep root systems help stabilize soil, making them ideal for erosion control and marginal land restoration. The shrub's early blossoms support pollinators, and its adaptability to various conditions ensures reliable growth in challenging environments. With minimal maintenance and copious yields, Saskatoons are a key species for creating productive landscapes.

Saskatoons grow as multi-stemmed shrubs, forming dense thickets over time. In early spring, they produce showy white blossoms that are among the first to appear, signaling the start of the growing season. By mid-summer, clusters of dark purple, sweet-tart berries ripen, attracting birds and wildlife. The shrubs require minimal pruning and are naturally tough, often bouncing back robustly even after damage from wildlife or harsh weather.

Size at Maturity- Shrub layer. Grows to 6-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide.

Current Size- Large 1'-2', 2 year old seedling
Medium 6"-12", 1 year old seedling

Saskatoon berries hold a prominent place in North American fruit breeding, especially among Indigenous peoples who valued them as a staple food. The berries were often dried or incorporated into pemmican for winter storage. Modern uses include jams, jellies, pies, and wines, showcasing their culinary versatility. In food forestry and agroforestry systems, Saskatoons are celebrated for their multi-seasonal appeal—offering nectar-rich blossoms for pollinators in spring, nutritious fruit in summer, and vibrant red-orange foliage in fall.