Amelanchier alnifolia

Source: www.nwplants.com

Botanical Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
Common Name: Saskatoon Serviceberry
Family: Rosaceae
Type of Plant: Deciduous shrub/tree
Habit: Spreading to erect shrub
Growth Rate: 
10-Year Height: 
Mature Height: 40'
Leaves: Alternate, simple, tough, oval to rounded or nearly 4 sided, from 1/4 to 3/4 of the margin serrate, tomentose beneath when young, soon becoming glabrous, 8-13 paired veins, 2-20 teeth on each side of the blade.
Flowers: Small, white, fragrant, 5-15 in erect racemes. The blooms are reminiscent of the witch hazel.
Fruit: Rounded, purple-black, juicy, edible, sweet.
Buds/New Growth: Imbricate, ovoid, sharp-pointed, 5 to 7 visible scales, reddish brown and glabrous on outer surface, silver hairs protruding from underside, appressed half their length.
Stem/Bark: Moderate, slightly angled, rich brown, epidermal layer gray and peeling, odor of almond extract when bruised. Pith: green, solid.
Culture: Sun or part shade. Extremely hardy.
Pruning: 
Pests/Diseases: 
Landscape Uses:  Can be used for erosion control.
Additional Information: Prairie Indians mixed the fruit with buffalo meat and fat to make pemmican, their principal winter food.