Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Serviceberry has many names. For example, Amelanchier alnifolia , is also called saskatoon or juneberry.
Serviceberry prefers soils that range from dry to moist. The roots spreads via underground runners. It has large, white, fragrant flowers with five petals. The edible berries are sweet, purple fruits. Although they look similar to blueberries they are closer in relation to rose family plants (apples or pears) and continue to ripen even once they are picked.
The berry is known to be high in antioxidants!
Don’t miss Serviceberry at our upcoming Bareroot Native Plant Sale!
Here is a great essay by Robin Wall Kimmerer from 2020.
Source: About Saskatoons: Saskatoon Berry Institute
Anna Beebe, 2019 KCD AmeriCorps Individual Placement