shrub

Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible berries
Mulch_biomassmedium
Wind_shelterhabitat for birds and small mammals

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
floweringFlowers emerge after sufficient chill and the last spring frost, typically when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
fruitingFruits develop and ripen approximately 45 days after flowering.
harvestBerries are ready for harvest shortly after ripening, typically over a 2-3 week period.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy after the first hard frosts of autumn, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, magnesium, potassium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseeds, cuttings, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
StratificationRequires cold stratification for 90-120 days at 1-5°C
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, birds, small mammals
Can host pestsapple curculio, saskatoon sawfly, leafrollers
Can host diseasesrust, powdery mildew, fire blight