Smokey Saskatoon - Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smokey' - €11 per plant  

Smokey has much larger berries than the species, and is grown commercially for its fruit in Canada which is no surprise as the berries are highly nutritious and very delicious. It’s a very pretty, small tree or large shrub which grows well in on the edge of a woodland garden, as well as being useful in erosion control due to it suckering growth habit. The flowers are snow white and very attractive while the glossy dark green leaves colour a beautiful orange and crimson in the autumn. To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region: Western and Central N. America 
  • ​native habitat: Low woodlands, woodland edges and thickets
  • family: Rosaceae

Predators

  • If grown in the open the berries are vulnerable to bird predation 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 6
  • It prefers moist soil
  • Fairly lime tolerant
  • Cope well in heavy clay soils

Overview

  • ​Deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m by 3 m at a medium rate
  • In flower in May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • East to grow

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: a multi stemmed from the crown, suckering
  • height x width (m): 4 x 3

Products 

  • Fruit:  Berries are similar in size to blackcurrants and also appear in clusters. The fruit ripens in early -mid summer and is soft and juicy with a few small seeds in the centre. Highly nutritious. A very nice sweet flavour that birds also find highly palatable. This variety is heavy cropping. Also popular in baking.
  • Flowers: Pretty snow white flowers that bloom in May attracting a lot of pollinator to the garden.
  • Leaves: Glossy green foliage that turns beautiful shades of orange and crimson in the autumn.
  • Wood: Young branches can be twisted to make rope like qualities while the wood itself is durable and straight grained. Can be used to make tool handles.
  • Medicinal: Used by North American Indians to treat a variety of minor complaints.

Functions, behaviours


  • Attractive specimen tree 
  • Self pollinating 
  • Low maintenance and easy to grow
  • Excellent food source for birds
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project