Juneberry

(Amelanchier alnifolia) Juneberries are not yet widely known in the U.S. Even though they look much like blueberries, they are more closely related to cherries and plums. The juneberry (known commonly elsewhere as a “saskatoon berry”) is a dark-colored fruit that is grown on the Canadian prairies for wholesale processing, with some fresh market and you-pick sales. The species of commercial interest is Amelanchier alnifolia, a close cousin of our Eastern serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), which is found as a tall shrub in eastern forests. The flavor of the fruit resembles dark cherry or raisin, with a hint of almond in the tiny, soft seed. Not only are they flavorful, they are nutrient-dense, with higher levels of protein, calcium, iron, and antioxidants than blueberries. Use as you would blueberries to make muffins, pancakes, syrup etc. 6;-10’ open vase shaped bushes bloom in mid-April and are ripe in late June. 12”-16” seedlings