SMALL FRUIT

AMELANCHIER: SASKATOON

Saskatoons are a native fruit to the prairies.  These purplish-blue colored berries are delicious when eaten fresh or in pies and jams.  The shrub is also great as an ornamental with a showy display of white flowers in the spring followed by clusters of dark fruit, and finally, vivid shades of yellow, orange & red  in the fall.  Saskatoons are self-fertile but they will produce a superior crop when planted in multiples.  Fruit production is also maximized when planted in full sunlight. Most varieties will average 3m/10 feet in height.  

 Saskatoon Cultivars for the Prairies

Cultivar Name

Height  Spread 

Zone

Fruit

Description
Honeywood Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Honeywood'

 10 feet        5 feet 2 Large, juicy fruit of excellent quality. Blooms 4-8 days later then other cultivars with beautiful white flowers,  followed by large clusters of  tangy fruit in late July.  This compact, vase-shaped plant is highly productive with fruit that is good eaten fresh or processed.  Little suckering.  A late spring bloomer that usually escapes seasonal frosts.
Martin Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Martin'

 10 feet        5 feet 2 Largest fruit available A highly productive plant with white blooms in late May/early June followed by  loose clusters of the very best tasting saskatoons in early August. The Martin is an improved selection of the Thiessen with larger berries, uniform ripening and a compact form.  Popular for commercial use.  
Northline Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Northline'

 8 feet          5 feet 2 Sweet tasting fruit. Seedling strain grown for its excellent flavor and outstanding productivity.  Great for processing.  Suckers freely. 
Parkhill Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Parkhill'

 6 feet          5 feet 2 Large berries with a wonderful flavor. This compact saskatoon bush is grown for its mild flavored fruit,  even ripening & ornamental characteristics.  Beautiful white blooms in late May are followed by purple fruit in July.  In the fall, foliage is a stunning orange-red color. Resistant to Entomosporium leaf and berry spot with berries that are delicious eaten fresh. Also make great pies and jellies.  
Smoky Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smoky'

 10 feet         5 feet 2 Large, sweet fruit that is purplish blue in color. This high yielding selection from Alberta is known for its consistent fruiting and  excellent flavor.  White blooms in May are followed by fruit in July.  The berries have a high sugar/acid ratio and are good for eating fresh or for processing.  This saskatoon bush  also makes an excellent hedge.
Success Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Success'

 6 feet          5 feet 2 Large fruit with a mild taste.  Resistant to Entomosporium leaf and berry spot.
Thiessen Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Thiessen'

 10 feet        5 feet 2 Large fruit of outstanding quality and a  mild, pleasant flavor. A heavy producing columnar plant with white flowers in May, followed by berries in late July.    It has an uneven fruit ripening characteristic but the sweet tasting berries are a favorite for eating fresh.

Compiled by Rachel Giesbrecht on August 8, 2004

 

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