Description
Latin Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
DESCRIPTION
Family: Rosaceae
Native Range: Native to the Canadian prairies.
Seed Source: Natural stand near Jansen Lake, Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 3m x 2m (5 years)
Overview: This saskatoon berry seed strain is a bountiful berry producer. These bushes have been an excellent source of berries since the 1950’s. It is characterized by reliable berry production of flavourful medium-sized berries. This strain is adapted to a wide range of growing conditions.
Fruit: Berry-like pomes up to 1.0 cm in diameter containing a single seed.
Average number of seeds/packet: 600
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Pre-soak seed for 24 hours then stratify in moist sand (10% moisture) for 90-120 days at 5°C.
Ideal sowing time: Non-pretreated seed outdoors in late September (will germinate the following spring) or stratified seed in spring.
Sowing instructions: Outdoors - sow 1.0 to 1.5 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell.
Growing conditions: Saskatoon berry grows on a wide variety of soils but favors moist, loamy soils with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. It is shade tolerant but prefers a sunny exposure.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
Saskatoon berry is used in shelterbelts, Ecobuffers, and wildlife habitat plantings. The dense roots and rhizomes of Saskatoon make it useful for soil stabilization and erosion control on moist sites including streambanks. It provides good food and cover for birds plus small and large mammals. The berries are highly edible and are a prized fruit-producing plant in the home garden or commercial orchard.
