Family: Rosaceae
Author: (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M.Roem.
Bibliography: Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 3: 147 (1847)
Year: 1847
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Amelanchier
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic America to W. & C. U.S.A.
Description
The Pacific serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier alnifolia, is a noteworthy member of the Rosaceae family. Originally chronicled in the mid-19th century (Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 3: 147, 1847, authored by Nutt. and Nutt. ex M. Roem.), this plant is distinguished by its considerable distribution across the Subarctic regions of America extending towards the western and central United States.
This deciduous shrub is valued for its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions, thriving in regions with harsh, sometimes subarctic climates. Its ecological presence spans diverse landscapes ranging from forested regions to open prairies, indicating its resilience and versatility. The Pacific serviceberry is characterized by its striking white flowers, which blossom abundantly in the spring, laying the foundation for its subsequent fruiting period.
The berries produced by Amelanchier alnifolia are notably sweet and nutritious, traditionally harvested and consumed by indigenous peoples and wildlife alike. These berries often find their way into local culinary traditions, being used in making jams, jellies, and even wines due to their rich, flavorful profile.
In addition to its culinary benefits, this plant also holds ornamental value. The Pacific serviceberry’s aesthetic appeal lies in its four-season interest: the delicate blossoms in spring, lush green foliage in summer, vibrant berries in autumn, and structural elegance in winter.
Overall, Amelanchier alnifolia stands out as a plant of both practical and aesthetic importance, symbolizing the rich biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Dan: ellebladet bærmispel
Deu: erlenblättrige felsenbirne
En: Pacific serviceberry, Saskatoon serviceberry, Juneberry, Saskatoon, Saskatoon-berry, Western juneberry, Western serviceberry, Western shadbush, Northwestern serviceberry
Da: Ellebladet bærmispel
Fi: Marjatuomipihlaja
Fr: Amélanchier à feuilles d’aulne, Amélanchier à feuille d’aulne
De: Erlenblättrige Felsenbirne
Nb: Taggblåhegg
Nn: Taggblåhegg
Sv: Grovsågad häggmispel, Marjatuomipihlaja, Sen häggmispel, Bärhäggmispel, Saskatoonbär
Synonyms
- Amelanchier sanguinea var. alnifolia ((Nutt.) P.Landry)
- Amelanchier diversifolia var. alnifolia ((Nutt.) Torr.)
- Aronia alnifolia (Nutt.)
- Amelanchier alnifolia var. typica (C.K.Schneid.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Central European Rus (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- East European Russia (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Northwest European R (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by S M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by anna-liisa Talman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Sándor Vágó (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Woods River (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Pascal Gosselin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Salatova Jindra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by pflantastisch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by S M (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 7, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8168485)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:721172-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M.Roem.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3023905)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.4
Ph minimum: 4.8