Amelanchier alnifolia
(1-99) $3.59
(100-999) $2.87
(1000+) $2.69
Saskatoons are large, deciduous, native shrubs in the Rosaceae (Rose) family. Saskatoons grow to almost 5 metres (16′) tall and bush out to about 3 metres (9′). Although Saskatoons are largely forgiving of soil conditions, they seem to prefer sandy loams. They do not do well in poorly drained or heavy clay soils. They can be found in swamps, along roadsides, in woods and in thickets. They also grow along the banks of streams and on hillsides. Although they look a bit like blueberries, Saskatoons are more closely related to the apple family. Like their apple cousins, Saskatoons continue to ripen after they are picked. Saskatoon has a smooth, grey trunk. Trunks are ash-gray with dark stripes when young, and rough, with long furrows when older. Clusters of 5-petaled, white flowers with brightly coloured anthers appear in late April, May and even into June depending on location. The showy, oblong to lance-like petals are 7 to 10mm. The fruits are about 1.5 cm (.5”) in diameter with 2 to 5 very small seeds in the pear or apple-like core. They resemble wild blueberries in size and shape. Berries ripen in late June or early July. Depending on location and conditions they can persist into late July.