Download Shadblow Serviceberry

Shadblow Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis / Amélanchier du Canada
Family: Rosaceae
Hardiness zone: 3
Range: Indigenous to Quebec and the Maritimes
Habitats: Swamps, low ground, woods and thickets
Height: 2-8m
Width: 2-8m
Space required around electrical lines: 4m
Growth and maintenance
• Sun: Full sun to part shade (minimum 2 hours)
• Soil: Tolerates a variety of soil types
Thrives in neutral or acidic soil and does not like very
poor or chalky soils. Good tolerance of de-icing salt.
• Humidity: Average
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. May be affected by rust or powdery mildew.
• Rust (Gymnosporangium spp.): Fungal disease that
causes rust colored patches on leaves. Rarely damaging for the tree. Requires little or no intervention.
Do not plant near Juniper trees.
• Powdery mildew: Fungal disease that causes white,
powdery patches on leaves. Not or very lightly damaging to tree. To prevent, spray a mix of baking
soda and water on leaves. To treat, spray a mix of
water and sulphur powder, but only when temperatures are cool or cold. [Warning: Though sulphur is
an accepted natural pesticide, it is an irritant to eyes
and harmful to insects. Use caution.]
Leaves
Finely toothed, elliptic, medium to
dark green leaves (1-3" long).
Change to orange-red in autumn.
FLOWERS
Showy, 5-petaled, slightly fragrant,
white flowers in drooping clusters.
Bloom time between April and May.
Interesting facts
The fruits of the serviceberry are called saskatoons
in the Cree language. They are sweet and juicy and
can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium and antioxidants. They can
be used to make jams, pies or added to cakes and
muffins.
FRUITS
Small, round, edible berries that are
red and mature to a dark, purplish
black in early summer.