How to Grow Amelanchier Alnifolia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Amelanchier alnifolia is a plant that is native to North America. It is also known as the saskatoon berry plant. This plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 3-5 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are oval shaped and the flowers are white. The fruit of this plant is a dark blue berry.

How to Grow Amelanchier Alnifolia - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • saskatoon
  • juneberry
  • shadbush
  • serviceberry
  • wild plum

Good to Know

  • Amelanchier alnifolia is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America.
  • It is also known as saskatoon, serviceberry, or shadbush.
  • The fruit of the amelanchier alnifolia is edible and has a sweet flavor.
  • The fruit can be used in pies, jams, and other desserts.
  • The leaves of the amelanchier alnifolia are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions.
  • The bark of the amelanchier alnifolia has been used in traditional medicine as a digestive aid.
  • The amelanchier alnifolia is a source of honey for bees.
  • The amelanchier alnifolia is a popular ornamental plant.
  • The amelanchier alnifolia is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests.
  • The amelanchier alnifolia is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Related plant:
Amelanchier Lamarckii

How to Grow

  1. For amelanchier alnifolia, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
  2. Add some organic matter to the soil to help with drainage.
  3. Next, you will need to take a cutting from an existing plant.
  4. Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the mother plant just below a leaf node.
  5. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
  6. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
  7. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
  8. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
  9. Keep the potting mix moist.
  10. In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and you can transplant it to your garden.

Related plant:
Amelanchier Laevis

The Soil

About soil condition, The soil should be well-drained, sandy loam to rich loam. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils, but can tolerate some alkalinity. The roots are shallow and spreading, so it does not do well in poorly drained soils, or soils that are chronically wet.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, the amount of sun an Amelanchier alnifolia needs depends on the climate it is in. In general, this tree does best in full sun to partial sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, this tree may do better in partial shade, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. If you are unsure how much sun your tree needs, ask a local nursery or your county extension office for guidance.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the (amelanchier alnifolia) is relatively cool compared to other plants. It is able to withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it should be noted that the plant will not flower or fruit if the temperature is below freezing.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60% or lower. The plant does not like to be in wet or waterlogged soil, and will not tolerate having its roots sitting in water. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much fertilizer and too much can actually be harmful. It's best to just give it a light application of a well balanced fertilizer in early spring. When it comes to the roots, it's best to plant this tree in an area with well drained soil. If the roots sit in water for too long, they can start to rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your amelanchier alnifolia plant. By pruning your plant, you ensure that it stays healthy and vigorous. Pruning also helps to control the size and shape of your plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Also, remove any branches that are Rubbery, broken, diseased, or damaged.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is pretty easy with this plant as it can be done through seed, softwood cuttings, or root division. Seed should be started indoors in late winter, and then transplanted outside once the last frost has passed. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer and rooted in a potting mix, while division can be done in early spring or fall. The best time to transplant this plant is in the spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of available moisture. The growth rate is also influenced by soil type, fertility and density as well as climate conditions. Temperature, sunlight and wind all play a role in how fast the plant grows. In general, well-watered plants will have a higher growth rate than those that are not.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, dieback, and twig blight. All of these problems can be caused by different types of fungi. Canker is usually caused by Cytospora spp. and can cause the bark to crack and ooze sap. Dieback is often caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Twig blight is often caused by Rhizoctonia solani and can cause the twigs to die back.

List to Know

  • Make sure to choose a location for your amelanchier alnifolia that has well-draining soil.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter prior to planting.
  • Water your amelanchier alnifolia regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your amelanchier alnifolia in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Give your amelanchier alnifolia plenty of room to grow by planting it in a large pot or in the ground.
  • Cut back on watering during the winter months.
  • Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor come late summer and fall!

You May Like

  • Amelanchier arborea
  • Amelanchier bartramiana
  • AmelanchierBuild Your OwnHerb Spiral
  • Amelanchier canadensis
  • Amelanchier florida
  • Amelanchier humilis
  • Amelanchier interior
  • Amelanchier laevis
  • Amelanchier lamarckii
  • Amelanchier sanguinea

Source:
Amelanchier alnifolia - Species Page - NYFA: New York Flora Atlas
Juneberries – Amelanchier alnifolia — Carrington REC - NDSU Ag CMS
Amelanchier alnifolia | UW Libraries Digital Repository

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Herbs Category