SMOKEY saskatoon berry
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- Species/cultivar
- Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Smokey’ (‘Saskatoon Smokey’)
- Hardiness
- Very hardy — zone 2 (can withstand temperatures as low as −40°C according to some sources)
- Adult size
- Approximately 3-4 m tall, 2-3 m wide depending on conditions. Can sometimes take the form of a shrub or small multi-stemmed tree.
- Shape/habit
- Rounded/spreading habit, often bushy or multi-stemmed, often somewhat “dense” depending on planting.
- Flowering
- Decorative white flowers in spring (mid-spring depending on the region).
- Foliage
- Dark green foliage, turning yellow to orange-red in autumn depending on exposure and summer heat.
- Fruit
- Blue-purple (or blue-black) berries of a fairly good size for serviceberries. Sweet, juicy taste. Can be eaten fresh, in pies, jams, or dried.
- Harvest
- Around July (late July depending on latitude) in many regions.
- Pollination
- Self-fertile—a single plant can produce fruit. However, several plants often improve productivity.
- Exposure and soil
- Prefers full sun or partial shade. Well-drained, tolerant soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Resistant to moderate drought.
⭐ Advantages
- Very hardy, making it suitable for cold areas (north, higher altitudes).
- Good quality fruit: pleasant taste, suitable for various uses (fresh, compote, pie, drying).
- Dual decorative and fruit-bearing use: beautiful flowers, attractive foliage, beautiful fall colors.
- Fairly easy to care for: not very demanding, tolerant, does not require much treatment in favorable conditions.
- Good tolerance to water stress (moderate dryness) once well established.
⚠️ Limitations/things to watch out for
- Sensitive to very heavy or poorly drained soil—standing water can be harmful.
- Although self-fertile, a single plant may produce smaller yields. Multiple plants allow for better flowering, better pollination, and often larger fruit.
- Fruit may be “dry” or less juicy in very dry summers or unfavorable conditions.
- Risk of fruit loss (birds) — berries attract wildlife, so protection may be necessary (netting or planting in an accessible but monitored area).
- Like many serviceberries, may have problems with diseases or pests depending on the local climate (leaf spots, etc.), but nothing specific to ‘Smokey’ has been mentioned.
🔧 Growing tips
- Plant in a sunny location to maximize fruit quality and fall color.
- Ensure good soil drainage—add compost or organic matter if the soil is poor or heavy.
- Water moderately, especially in the early years, then less often once established.
- Prune if necessary to shape, remove dead wood, and encourage light to enter the bush.
- Plant several plants if possible to boost production (and possibly spread out the harvest).
Hardiness Zones
Light
Uses / Special remarks