Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnafolia) is a deciduous shrub that can grow to the size of a small multi-stemmed tree.

• Slender, smooth reddish-brown stems grow from stolons or rhizomes.
• Alternate leaves vary from round to elliptical with rounded ends, with saw-toothed edges.
• White terminal inflorescences feature 3 to 20 flowers (each with 5 petals) in clusters.
• Photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption.

saskatoons in the Altius Hills

saskatoon in Peterson Creek

saskatoon on the Uplands Trails

saskatoon pomes

chipmunk on saskatoon on Frosty Mountain

waxwing on saskatoon at Mahood Lake

saskatoon by the Fraser River near Sallus Creek

saskatoon on Mara Mountain - April

saskatoon on the Peterson CreekTrails in June

saskatoons on Mt. Rose - August

saskatoon on Mara Mountain - April

sketch by Hitchcock and Conquist

• Small pomes/berries form after flowering, red at first, turning to purple or even black when fully ripe.
• The berries are edible and sweet.
• Birds and wild animals help to spread the seeds in scats and droppings.
• Saskatoon is widespread in the Kamloops area at lower elevations.
• Saskatoon variants can be found in the Coastal areas and in the Rocky Mountains.
• Saskatoon is sometimes called serviceberry.