Permaculture Plants: Saskatoon

The Saskatoon is very similar to the Blueberry.

http://www.about-garden.com/images_data/2764-amelanchier-alnifolia-1.jpg

Common Name: Saskatoon
Other Names: Saskatoon Serviceberry, Pacific Serviceberry, Alder-Leaved Serviceberry/Shadbush, Western Juneberry, Pigeon Berry

Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia

Family: Rosacaea

Saskatoons ready to eat!

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Description:

This medium to very large shrub produces fruit that to many are interchangeable with blueberries. Some think they have a more almond flavor others a hint of apple. I think they just taste like blueberries.

Amelanchier alnifolia

http://www.pfaf.org/UserFilesCms/AmelanchierAlnifolia.jpg

History:

Native to northwestern and north central North America.
Has been gaining popularity over the last decade or so with commercial growers in the north.

Trivia:

Can grow from seal level to over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters).
The city, Saskatoon (in Saskatchewan, Canada) is named after the berry.

Saskatoon pie!

http://thumbs.ifood.tv/files/images/food/saskatoon-pie-01.jpg

Or for a healther recipe, just switch Saskatoons for Blueberries...

Filet Mignon with Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

USING THIS PLANT

Primary Uses:

• Fresh eating.
• Cooked.
• Baked in desserts (pies, tarts, etc.)
• Preserves, jams, jelly.
• Dried.
• Main ingredient or flavor component in wine, beer, and cider.
• Can be used to make pemmican (a Native American preserved food of meat and fruit)

Secondary Uses:

• General insect (especially bees) nectar plant.
• Summer food for wildlife (especially birds).
• Hedges.
• Windbreaks.
• Very tough wood, but small - good for tool handles.
• Has been used to make rope and baskets.
• Ornamental.
• Leaves have been used as a tea substitute, although this genus of plants is known to contain a precursor to cyanide in the leaves. It is very likely that heat destroys this toxin, but caution is advised.
• History of many medicinal uses by Native Americans.

Yield: about 10 lbs (4.5 kg) per plant

Harvesting: Summer (June-July)

Storage: Fresh berries can be stored in a cool dry place for just over a week

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http://ecologyadventure2.edublogs.org/files/2011/04/Amelanchier_alnifolia050805_11-txci58.jpg

The flowers of the Saskatoon are individually and collectively beautiful.

DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT

USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7 (depending on the variety)

AHS Heat Zone: No reliable information available

Chill Requirement: There is a strong likelihood, but no reliable information can be found

Plant Type: Medium to Very Large Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Forest Garden Use: Shrub Layer 

Cultivars/Varieties: Many varieties available.

Pollination: Self-Pollinating/Self-Fertile

Flowering: Spring. April-June

Life Span:

Years to Begin Bearing: 2-5 years

Years to Maximum Bearing: 12-15 years

Years of Useful Life: 30-50

Autumn colors make Saskatoon an ornamental plant as well.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3153/2297660860_d787efb26c_z.jpg

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT

Size: 6-15 feet (2-4.5 meters) tall and 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) wide

Roots: Spreading and suckering system of roots.

Growth Rate: Medium

http://www.pfaf.org/UserFilesCms/AmelanchierAlnifolia.jpg

GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT

Light: Prefers full sun

Shade: Tolerates light shade (about 50%)

Moisture: Medium

pH: tolerates a wide range (5.1-8.5)

Special Considerations for Growing: Sunshine is needed for fruit to ripen, so plan and plant accordingly.

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Propagation:  By seed (needs 5-18 months cold stratification). Seed produce plants true to type (i.e. almost identical to parent plants). Layering (can take 18 months). Division of at least two year old suckers (in late Winter).

Maintenance: Minimal once established.  Birds love to eat the fruit, so consider netting.

Concerns: Poisonous – Leaves contain a precursor to cyanide (large amounts can cause death).