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How many species of serviceberry are there in Minnesota?

By Emily Wong

How many species of serviceberry are there in Minnesota?

There are several species of serviceberry. The species described below are all native to Minnesota. Many cultivated varieties have been developed using these three species and their hybrids for use as ornamental landscape plants and for commercial fruit production.

What kind of fruit is a serviceberry?

Serviceberry. Serviceberry provides year-round interest in white spring flowers, yellow to red fall foliage, smooth gray bark, and edible purple fruit. Also called juneberries or Saskatoon berries, several serviceberry species are native to Minnesota and other parts of the United States.

How tall does a smooth serviceberry tree get?

1 Downy serviceberry ( A. arborea) is a 15-to-25-foot multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that is native to the eastern border of Minnesota. 2 Smooth serviceberry ( A. laevis) is larger shrub or small tree, often reaching heights of 40 to 45 feet, and is native to east central Minnesota. 3 Saskatoon serviceberry ( A. …

What kind of soil does a serviceberry plant need?

Hardiness zone: 2 to 8, cultivar dependent. Full sun to full shade; cultivars grown for fruit will produce best in full sun. Prefers loam soils, tolerates sand and clay. Does best in lightly moist to moist soils. Needs well-drained soils; avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0; tolerates higher.

There are several species of serviceberry. The species described below are all native to Minnesota. Many cultivated varieties have been developed using these three species and their hybrids for use as ornamental landscape plants and for commercial fruit production.

Serviceberry. Serviceberry provides year-round interest in white spring flowers, yellow to red fall foliage, smooth gray bark, and edible purple fruit. Also called juneberries or Saskatoon berries, several serviceberry species are native to Minnesota and other parts of the United States.

Do you need to care for a serviceberry tree?

Serviceberry is not only very decorative but also bears delicious fruit. Here we show what you need to know about planting, caring, and harvesting.

How tall does a Saskatoon serviceberry tree get?

Smooth serviceberry (A. laevis) is larger shrub or small tree, often reaching heights of 40 to 45 feet, and is native to east central Minnesota. Saskatoon serviceberry (A. alnifolia) is a native of western Minnesota’s prairies and is a 6-to-9-foot shrub. This species produces the best quality fruit.