Saskatoon, Serviceberry
amelanchier lamarckii
Also known as: ["Juneberry","Shadbush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its edible fruits and attractive spring flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Amelanchier |
| Botanical Name: | Amelanchier lamarckii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy (can tolerate hard pruning for rejuvenation).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade, especially in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot areas; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacting soil around roots; test pH if growth issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters down to -25°C; prefers moderate temperatures in summer (15–25°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Or sow seeds in fall for stratification.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after fruiting.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and bright indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification required for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-drained seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; use bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire stems at the base; heading cuts to shorten branches; selective removal of crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage airflow and fruiting; rejuvenate older plants by removing 1/3 of old stems annually.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw for larger branches, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead or diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting in late summer or fall.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Gently remove plant; prune any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Generally not required as Amelanchier lamarckii is a large shrub or small tree; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to once every 2–3 weeks, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; reduced flowering in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; buds may fail to open; root systems can suffer damage in prolonged freezing without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and fruit set; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Apply fertilizer in spring; use balanced formula; water thoroughly after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSimilar to dogs, the seeds of Amelanchier lamarckii can pose a risk to cats if consumed in large quantities due to cyanogenic glycosides. The fruit is safe for cats in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicThe seeds of Amelanchier lamarckii contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. The fruit is generally safe for dogs in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicAmelanchier lamarckii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide if ingested in large quantities. The fruit is edible and commonly consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the fruits of Amelanchier lamarckii edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and often used in jams, pies, and other culinary applications.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and fruits.
Q: How often should I water Amelanchier lamarckii?
A: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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