Canadian Serviceberry

Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), proposed by AKÈNE

?? A little-known tree with tasty and abundant small fruits ??

Although its berries are often eaten as jelly without knowing where they come from , the Canadian Saskatoon berry remains too little known, despite its incredible generosity and exquisite taste . This shrub native to Quebec, which can reach 5 to 10 meters in height , is covered in fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed in the summer by an abundance of edible red-purple berries . These small fruits, sweet and juicy, are reminiscent of blueberries , but with a subtle hint of almond , and are a real treat for children and lovers of wild fruits .

?? Easy to grow, ultra-productive and resistant , the serviceberry grows in full sun as well as partial shade , and adapts to well-drained soils, even clayey and slightly damp . Its flamboyant foliage in autumn also makes it an exceptional ornamental asset .

?? What if this tree became a must-have in our gardens and orchards?

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : April to May
?? Height : 500 to 1000 cm
?? Spacing : 300 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Sandy to loamy, well drained
?? Soil moisture content : Dry to medium
?? Deer Resistance : Low
?? Seeds per packet : 25

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : 3 mm
?? Germination time : 30 to 60 days
?? Cold stratification : 90 days
? Scarification : Soaking before stratification

?? Indoor method (recommended for efficient germination) :
1?? Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours .
2?? Mix them with moist vermiculite and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 90 days .
3?? After stratification, sow on the surface of well-drained potting soil , maintaining constant humidity.
4?? Germination can be irregular and take between 30 and 60 days .

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in the fall to let winter naturally stratify the seeds.
?? Make sure the soil is well drained and remains slightly moist.

?? Once well rooted, the Saskatoon berry grows quickly and requires little maintenance.

Culinary and medicinal uses

?? A little-known but exceptionally delicious fruit
Saskatoon berries are a forgotten treasure! They are sweet, juicy and tasty , perfect for eating fresh, in jam, syrup, in pies or even dried like raisins .

?? Kids love it , and once you've tasted it, it's hard to live without it!

?? Medicinal properties : Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber , Saskatoon berry is recognized for its benefits on cardiovascular health .

Ecological roles and utilities

?? A refuge for pollinators : Its nectar-rich spring flowers attract bees and butterflies .
?? A food source for wildlife : Its berries feed many birds , such as cardinals and orioles .
?? A host plant for Viceroy and Red Admiral caterpillars , contributing to biodiversity.
?? A pioneer tree : Promotes the restoration of degraded areas and the prevention of erosion .

Companion plants

?? Blueberry, elderberry, late cherry, alder

Enemy plants

?? None known

Why grow Canadian Saskatoon?

?? An ultra-productive native tree with delicious fruits
?? An asset for pollinators and birds
?? Spectacular foliage in the fall
?? Easy to grow and resistant to various conditions

?? Don't miss out on this little-known gem of our region! Plant a Saskatoon berry and rediscover a sweet, abundant fruit that's perfect for the whole family!