Amelanchier alnifolia

Krenteboompje, Saskatoon / Saskatoon, Serviceberry

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Northern America (whole)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Leaves

Saskatoon, Serviceberry belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is medium. After 2 to 5 years this species is fully grown and has an average height of 3.5 to 6 meter and a width of 2 to 3.5 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is open. It loses its leaves in september.
This species forms a fibrous medium deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Saskatoon, Serviceberry is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: David A. Hofmann, https://www.flickr.com/photos/23326361@N04/5728252049/in/photostream/

foto: David A. Hofmann, https://www.flickr.com/photos/23326361@N04/5728252049/in/photostream/

foto: F.D.Richards, https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/47799509011

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): mid march, end of march
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

birds, spotted wing drosophila

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, elbow height, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early june, mid june, end of june
Harvesting period - length: Month, several weeks
Harvesting period - uniformity: Low
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Size edible parts: Small
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Week
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 4
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 20

Culinary appreciation

Can be dried and used in dishes, as they are highly nutritious.

References