WSU Clark County Extension
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Western Serviceberry

Scientific name: Amelanchier alnifolia
Taxonomy
Family:Rosaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:1
Sun:Full to partial sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:12 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom Time:April to July
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Western Serviceberry is a prized addition to any native plants garden. The spring bloom is welcome addition when there are few other flowering trees. Also known as Saskatoon serviceberry.

  Morphology:
This is a woody shrub with an erect to spreading form. It often grows to height of 12’ with an equal width. Leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion. They are simple, 1”-3” in length and have an oval to oblong shape. During the summer the leaves are green while in the fall they can turn a very pleasing red to yellow color.

White fragrant flowers, arranged in racemes (3-20 per cluster), appear from April through July. Flowers morph to ½” bluish-purple, juicy edible berries which ripen in early summer. The versatile fruit may be used fresh or dried, cooked or raw. It was a common food source among Native Americans, who used the berries as a component of mincemeat. The berries are popular with wildlife.

Serviceberry blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies.

  Adaptation:
Open woods to canyons to hillsides, from sea level to subalpine elevations. It can grow in full sun to partial shade. As for site conditions, it prefers a moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a wide range of conditions.

  Pests:
As with other members of the Rose family, Western Serviceberry is prone to problems with leaf spots, rusts and stem cankers. It helps to have this plant on a sunny, well exposed site.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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