SASKATOONS-SCRUMPTIOUS NATIVE FRUITS

As prolonged droughts have created severe water shortages in much of the U.S., water restrictions are commonplace. Fortunately, native fruits like the saskatoons or serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.) are extremely drought tolerant, and are even deer-resistant. With over 25 species in North America, saskatoons are exceptionally hardy (to zone 3). Adapted to sun and partial shade, they are undemanding plants. Common names include juneberries and others.

Saskatoons are so popular in Canada that some Saskatchewan orchards specialize in these native treats. In fact demand outpaces supply. One farm features a restaurant with Saskatoon pie and other delicacies on the menu. Visitors can also purchase Saskatoon preserves and related products to take home. Among this group are small shrubs only 5-9 feet tall, which are ideal for hedges, screens, and windbreaks, to small trees 20-30 feet, perfect for growing under utility lines. Saskatoons are essentially four-season plants with gorgeous spring blossoms, early summer fruits, brilliant fall foliage, and lovely gray winter bark. Though they prefer a well-drained moist soil, an ordinary garden soil is just fine. Choose a sheltered spot where late spring frosts will not be a problem. With the exception of the white-fruited ones, all saskatoons are self-fruitful for pollination purposes. Saskatoons are propagated by seeds, root cuttings, suckers, and crown division. For better quality cultivars, tissue culture is also used. Generally, the improved selections are recommended. They are available from on-line and mail-order nurseries. For overall size and flavor, Thiessen is superior.

Jennybelle, a late-blooming one rarely hit by frost, is an improved form of juneberry (Amelanchier grandiflora), usually under 12 feet. Most saskatoons begin bearing about 2-4 years after planting, but Jennybelle is an early-bearing selection. Certain poor producers like Rainbow Pillar are intended for ornamental use only.

For good fruit production, the bushes benefit from regular pruning. Remove shoots that are four years or older in the spring before the plant blooms. On trees, prune off the suckers. Regarding training, don't bother, as the trees are hard to train to a single leader system.

As native fruits, saskatoons don't require as much fertilizer as other fruit plants.

Depending upon the weather, saskatoons may experience disease problems, such as powdery mildew. Some newer varieties like Autumn Brilliance are disease resistant. During dry weather, spider mites may appear on the plants.

Known as berries, the fruits are actually pomes-think apples. In texture and size, they resemble blueberries. They may be white, satin-red, blue, black, and purple. Sweet, juicy, and mild-flavored, they have a hint of almond. Fruits of the North American species are considered superior to the European ones. Just perfect for eating raw, they ripen in bunches of 6-12. Hidden among the foliage, they are often consumed by birds before folks realize they are even ripe.

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