Serviceberry / Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
 
Saskatoon Berry, also known as Serviceberry, is a hardy, fruiting shrub treasured for its sweet, blueberry-like berries and early spring blossoms. Native to North America, this resilient plant has long been valued for both its ornamental beauty and dependable harvest. This is the variety known for the sweetest and largest berries.
 
In early spring, delicate white flowers blanket the branches before the leaves fully emerge. By early to midsummer, deep purple berries develop, rich in flavor and traditionally used fresh, dried, or in pies, syrups, and preserves.
 
This cold-hardy shrub is an excellent choice for food forests, native plantings, wildlife gardens, and homestead orchards.
 
When compared to Amelanchier utahensis, Amelanchier alnifolia stands out as the superior choice for gardeners seeking larger harvests, sweeter fruit, and greater cold hardiness.
 
Unlike the smaller, more desert-adapted utahensis, alnifolia produces larger, more flavorful berries and is widely grown for fruit production. Many commercial and homestead growers favor alnifolia for its dependable yields and improved fruit quality.
 
This species also grows into a larger, more vigorous shrub (6–15 feet), making it ideal for hedgerows, food forests, and orchard-style plantings. Its increased cold tolerance (Zones 2–7) allows it to thrive in much harsher winter climates than utahensis.
 
While A. utahensis is well-suited to dry, high-desert restoration projects, A. alnifolia is generally the better option for those prioritizing:
• Larger berries
• Sweeter flavor
• Heavier fruit production
• Greater cold hardiness
• Commercial or homestead harvest
 
For gardeners focused on fruit quality and productivity, Amelanchier alnifolia is the more versatile and rewarding choice.
 
Plant Information
Botanical Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Height: 6–15 feet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
USDA Zones: 2–7
Native Range: Western and Central North America
 
Cold Stratification Required
Seeds require 90–120 days of cold moist stratification to break dormancy.
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
Mix with moist sand or seed-starting medium.
Refrigerate at 34–40°F for 90 days
Sow ¼–½ inch deep after stratification.
Fall sowing outdoors is also effective and allows for natural winter conditioning.
Germinates in spring after stratification
 
Growing Notes
Excellent wildlife plant, birds (and humans) love the berries
Cold hardy and wind tolerant
Can be grown as a hedge or multi-stemmed small tree
Begins fruiting in several years
Serviceberry is a time-honored North American fruiting shrub, beautiful in bloom, generous in harvest, and deeply rooted in traditional landscapes.
 
This is for 10 seeds.
 
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