Amelanchier alnifolia
(Western serviceberry, Saskatoon serviceberry, Juneberry)
Range
Extends from
northern
Climate, elevation
Range
from dry rocky slopes in full sunlight to partial shade of conifers and in
moist, deep, and fertile soils. Moisture
is a limiting factor; plants not usually present in areas with less than
14" annual precipitation.
Local occurrence (where, how common)
Common
throughout the Northwest, frequently in thickets.
Habitat preferences
Found on forested
slopes, open rocky woods, cliff edges, wide prairies, or along side streams or
lakes; also bogs and wet sites. It likes
to follow fence rows and to meander along the edges of woods.
Plant strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator,
competitor, weedy/colonizer, seral, late successional)
Very cold
hardy (to –20° C) and draught tolerant.
Not invasive.
Associated species
Vine maples, all
manner of wild roses and other shrubby plants or small trees. Companions are
often windbreak members or woodland plants.
May be
collected as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.)
Seed, division,
layering; or dig up 2 - 3 year old suckers in the winter; these suckers will
generally start to produce within a couple of years.
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Collect fruit when
ripe, in late summer.
Seed germination (needs
dormancy breaking?)
Needs to be
cold-stratified for 3-6 months to break seed dormancy. Expect a germination rate of less than 50%.
Seed life (can be stored,
short shelf-life, long shelf-life)
Recommended seed storage conditions
Seeds not sown in the
fall should not be allowed to dry out.
Propagation
recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative parts, cuttings, etc.)
Propagate from seed
easily, but division most successful method. Expect a germination rate of less
than 50%, and the seedlings will grow about 1 foot per year.
Soil or medium requirements (inoculum
necessary?)
Favorite soil is a
rich loamy mix, but they will grow in just about any kind of soil as long as
good drainage is provided. Coarse to
medium texture, well to moderately well drained. Soil
moisture moist to average; pH: 6.1 - 6.5.
Installation form (form, potential for successful outcomes,
cost)
Seeds: Expect a germination rate of less than
50%;
Suckers/Cuttings: Most successful method.
Recommended planting density
Can be
grown with a single trunk or a multiple trunked
grove. They make an excellent
windbreak when planted fairly close together so the branches can intertwine to
form a living fence.
Care requirements after installed (water weekly, water once
etc.)
No special
requirements if planted in moist, well-drained soil.
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan
Seedlings will grow
about 1 foot per year; to 6 meters with 4-5 m spread; live about 60 years.
Sources cited
·
Leigh, M. 1999.
Grow You Own Native Landscape.
Native Plant Salvage Project ; WSU Cooperative
Extension—
·
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994. Plants of the
·
http://www.nwplants.com/plants/shrubs/rosaceae/amelanchier_alnifolia/
·
http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/shrubs/amelanchier.html
Data compiled by
Mike Cooksey;