Saskatoon Berry

Amelanchier alnifolia var. Smokey

Approximately ~ 35 seeds per packet

Germination 98% Packed for 2025

The Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia var. 'Smokey'), also known as Saskatoon Serviceberry, is a popular cultivar of the Saskatoon berry. It is a small tree or large shrub native to North America known for its high-quality fruit and vigorous growth. It can be found in western and central North America, from Alaska to western Canada and the western and north central United States. It's native to low woodlands, woodland edges, and thickets.

The berries are versatile and can be eaten fresh, used in baking (pies, muffins), made into jams and jellies, or even dried for later use. Besides its fruit, the plant is also valued for its spring flowers and autumn foliage, making it a beautiful addition to landscapes. The berries are attractive to birds and other wildlife, so they can be a great choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Overall, 'Smokey' Saskatoon Berry is an excellent choice for both ornamental and edible landscapes, offering beautiful blooms, attractive foliage, and delicious, nutritious berries.

Appearance: 'Smokey' Saskatoon bushes typically grow to about 10-15 feet in height and 6-10 feet in width, forming a dense, multi-stemmed shrub. The leaves are oval to elliptical, about 1-2 inches long, with finely serrated edges. They are bright green during the growing season and turn yellow to orange-red in the fall. In the spring, the plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters. These flowers are quite attractive and can add ornamental value to gardens.

Fruit: The berries are small, usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. They are round and often grow in clusters. The fruit starts as green, turning red and then deep purple to almost black when fully ripe. 'Smokey' is particularly noted for its sweet, mild flavor, making it one of the most sought-after Saskatoon berry varieties for fresh eating. The berries have a slightly nutty, almond-like taste, with a texture similar to blueberries. This variety is known for its heavy fruit production, making it a favorite among commercial growers and home gardeners alike.

GROWING CONDITIONS:

'Smokey' Saskatoon is very hardy and can tolerate cold climates well, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It can tolerate a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.  Full sun to partial shade is ideal for this plant. Full sun encourages the best fruit production. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry periods will help ensure a good fruit yield. Pruning is generally done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape.

'Smokey' is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another variety for pollination, although cross-pollination with other varieties can improve fruit set and size.  This variety is generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, though like all Saskatoon berries, it can be susceptible to rusts and fire blight in some conditions.

KEEP SEEDS REFRIGERATED FOR LONG TERM STORAGE PRIOR TO SCARIFICATION TREATMENT BELOW.