Plant native: Saskatoon Serviceberry
Saskatoon Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia
Height: 6’ or higher
Spread: 4-5’
Sun: full sun for best fruiting but grows well in part shade
Water: prefers medium moisture but drought-tolerant
While hard-to-grow blueberries are touted for nutritional value, the very similar-tasting berries of Nebraska’s native serviceberry or Juneberry are surprisingly underused though they are “higher in protein, fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium and manganese than blueberries and strawberries” (Montana State University Extension). Serviceberry has three strong seasons of interest. The common name serviceberry derives from the use of March/April blossoms at pioneer burials when little else was flowering. The other common name Juneberry refers to edible berries in early summer which birds quickly devour, and in fall the foliage tends to develop good color. Both the native species and developed cultivars are adaptable and easy to grow as an understory shrub/tree, though they prefer a somewhat moist, protected environment as many are native to moist areas along streambeds.
Native plant recommendations from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, plantnebraska.org
