HONEYWOOD saskatoon berry

Main characteristics of ‘Honeywood’

• Full name
• Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Honeywood’ — also known as Saskatoon Honeywood or Honeywood serviceberry.
• Hardiness (climate zone)
• Very cold tolerant. Hardiness zones around 2-3 to 7 depending on the source.
• Size/habit
• Medium to large plant depending on conditions: approximately 6 to 10 feet (≈ 1.8-3 m) tall and similar to moderate in width. Upright to slightly spreading habit, often compact.
• Habitus
• Multi-stemmed bush, dense, compact habit. Little suckering (little growth at the base) compared to some cultivars.
• Fruit
• Good-sized berries (≈ 0.5-0.6 inches according to descriptions), deep blue-purple when ripe. Sweet taste, reminiscent of blueberries with a hint of honey, sometimes with fruity or apple-like notes. Very good for fresh consumption, but also excellent for jams, jellies, and pastries.
• Ripening/harvest period
• Rather late among Saskatoon varieties: around early July in many cases.
• Flowering
• White flowers, typical of serviceberries, in spring (May-June depending on climate) before or with foliage.
• Foliage and appearance
• Green foliage in summer, good fall color (yellow, orange, red depending on source).

Growing conditions, care

• Exposure: Full sun preferred, or partial shade. Direct sun is very helpful for optimal fruiting.
•  Soil: Cool to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates several soil types (loamy, slightly acidic to neutral).

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral is often mentioned as ideal.

• Watering: Moderate, especially during dry periods—although serviceberry is relatively tolerant once well established.

• Cold tolerance: Very good—resistance reported up to ≈ −26 to −30°C depending on the source.

• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering to remove dead wood or crossed branches. Little suckering, so less work than some cultivars that produce a lot of suckers.

Advantages

• Tasty berries with a pleasant flavor—often described as sweet, with a “honey/blueberry” taste, which is very appealing.

• Good yield, abundant fruit.

• Relatively compact growth habit for a productive serviceberry, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens or home orchards.

• Good hardiness — thrives in cold climates, which is a plus for regions such as Quebec.

Limitations or points to consider

• Late ripening: If you live in a region with an early fall or early frosts, check that the growing season is long enough to allow the fruit to ripen properly.

• Sensitivity to birds: Like many serviceberries, the berries attract birds; if you want to keep a good portion for yourself, plan to use a net or harvest regularly.

• Shallow rooting/suckering: Less than some varieties, but there is always some possible rejection at the base.