A spring stroll through the garden behind the Fergus Public Library reveals a stunning ornamental. It is amassed with clusters of white blossoms. So glorious, many visitors inquire its nursery name.
This specimen is best known by its common name “serviceberry”. When it is in full bloom, it truly is magnificent.Serviceberry (Amellanchier) is native to North America.
This hardy beauty is available as a tree or shrub. It requires very little maintenance. Gardeners choose this wildlife-friendly dazzler because of its lacy blooms in early spring, red berries in summer and colourful fall foliage.
Also known as the Saskatoon berry, Juneberry, shadbush, shadblow, shadwood, bilberry, sugar or wild plum and wild or Indian pear, it can be found in many areas of North America.
The deciduous small tree has 20 other species in the group and is a member of the rose family.
Trees can grow up to 10m (32’).Shrubs grow 2 – 3m (6 – 10’). These extremely hardy bushes prefer full sun. Aside from an occasional pruning, a good watering in prolonged dry periods, they require minimal attention.
Both the tree and shrub have blue-green foliage, delicate 2” flower clusters in early spring and brilliant yellow, orange and shades of red foliage in the fall.
Once the blossoms are pollinated, edible sour tasting berries follow. These berries will ripen to a reddish-purple that are sweet.
The variety (genus) of Amelanchier alnifolia is best known for fruit production.
Similar in appearance to small crab apples, the ripened fruit is very delectable when eaten raw or cooked to make pies, jams, jellies, chutneys and preserves.
The taste resembles blueberries, with a dry grainy texture. Cookbooks suggest baking them into puddings and muffins. They can be dehydrated similar to raisins. A juice similar to cranberry can be made. It makes a unique refreshing mixer.
Vintners also enjoy the pungent, fermented taste of the fruit. The seeds have an almond flavour.
Wildlife, especially birds are fond of this native. It is not uncommon for vast numbers birds to quickly devour the ripe fruit.
The Saskatoon berry is harvested commercially.
Historically, pemmican was flavoured by the serviceberry by mixing it with minced dried meat and fat.
In the home landscape, gardeners can choose to grow this dual-purpose tree or shrub. Like any other shrub, it can be pruned to fit a particular growing space. Left unchecked, the shrub will grow fairly large and be somewhat unruly. Depending on specific varieties and growing conditions, the eye-catching flowers and berries will vary greatly.
Growing specifications suggest that the plant requires full sun (but will survive in partial shade) and a moderate amount of moisture to bear fruit.
It has been reported that both the tree and shrub varieties will grow relatively easily from seed if the berries are crushed and planted while fresh (germination takes place the following spring).
There are many different members of the Genus Amelanchier. Along with serviceberry, some cherries, many hawthorns and crab apples are included in this group.
The appeal of the fruit is its natural sweetness. Not only do humans enjoy eating the fruit but so does wildlife.
Birds are the largest threat to the serviceberry crop. It is suggested that the use of a cloth netting to cover the tree is a good way to protect ripening fruit. A careful daily watch to see when the fruit is fully ripened is the best method of protection.
Aside from its natural ornamental beauty, a serviceberry will provide some shade and wind protection. Its smaller size is an appropriate choice for a small yard to have a full-featured tree.
Gardeners with smaller growing spaces may be interested in obtaining the dwarf .75m (2’) bush variety.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
