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Woody > Amelanchier > Amelanchier alnifolia > Amelanchier alnifolia

Amelanchier alnifolia


Saskatoon Serviceberry




Origin:  Western North America.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

A class small tree or large shrub that is often planted in poor locations and is butchered in the large urban landscapes around shopping malls, and such, not rendering its superb reputation as a native landscape plant any benefit. An excellent edge species to humanise the scale of large landscapes. I personally prefer the multi stemmed plants. This species is a little coarser than my first choice, A. canadensis.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Amelanchier
Species
alnifolia
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
Canadian Hardiness Zone
4
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-35 - (-29)
Temperature (°F)
-30 - (-20)
Height
5 m
Spread
3 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
A coarser plant when compared to A. canadensis, but still with all the merits of the former.
Landscape
A foil or mass planting tree or shrub. Or as a small grouped planting where the best effect is achieved. Excellent for attracting wildlife and for autumn and winter interest.
Cultivation
A plant that is easy to cultivate if given good soil and adequate moisture during summer droughts.
Shape
Loosely pyramidal.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Similar to A. canadensis, but with broader leaves with deeper serrations. The bark is often a slightly darker brown than the light grey of A. canadensis.
Pests
The fruit is often affected by a blight, improved air circulation around the plant can help.
Habitat
The plains of Western Canada.
Bark/Stem Description
Smooth light grey-brown bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Buds dark brown, lacking the hairs found on the buds of A. canadensis.
Leaf Description
Obovate, serrate, to about 6cm long and 1.5-2cm wide.
Flower Description
To about 5mm across, white, five petaled.
Fruit Description
Small, 5mm fruit, dark blue to black, resembling a small blueberry, edible and in fact an industry in Sakatoon, Canada.
Colour Description
Excellent autumn colour, reds, ambers and orangey yellows, consistent through the plant.
Texture Description
Medium textured.
Notable Specimens
The University of Guelph Arboretum, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Stratify seeds at 5°C for 120 days. Also by cuttings but with some challenges.
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