Origin
Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea, commonly known as red-twigged serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant's native range encompasses western North America, from Alaska through to California, and reaching into the Rockies eastward to Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota.
Common Names
The red-twigged serviceberry is known by many common names, including Pacific serviceberry, western serviceberry, juneberry, Saskatoon berry, shadbush, and wild pear. Interestingly, Idaho schoolchildren voted the species as their state fruit in 2006.
General Appearance
The red-twigged serviceberry shrub can grow up to eight feet tall and wide. The plant has small, ovate leaves that alternate on the red branches. The flowers are white, have five petals, and resemble small apple blossoms. These appear in clusters at the tips of branches in the early spring before the leaves unfurl. The plant produces fruits disimilar to blueberries, oval-shaped, deep purple, and nearly black when ripe, with a flavor considered sweet and somewhat nutty.
Uses
The red-twigged serviceberry serves a diverse range of uses, including being an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, a bear food source when other fruits are rare, and culturally significant to indigenous peoples who often used it for medicinal and culinary purposes. The berries are also edible and can be used for making jams, jelly, pies, and other desserts.
Light Requirements
Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea prefers full sun to partial shade as its growth condition. This plant requires ample sunlight to ensure its optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea is between 15 - 25°C. They can tolerate high temperatures up to 30°C but not for an extended period. However, during winter, they can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C.
Soil Requirements
Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral pH level. These plants can tolerate slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soil conditions, but they cannot survive in extremely acidic or alkaline soils. In addition, the soil must be rich in nutrients, particularly organic matter.
Cultivation
Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea, also known as roundleaf serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It is native to North America and is commonly found in moist, open woods, hillsides, and along streams and rivers. When selecting a site for planting, choose a location with well-draining soil and partial sun to allow for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The roundleaf serviceberry thrives in moist soil conditions, but it is important not to overwater the plant to avoid root rot. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, making sure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. During hot summer periods, the plant may require additional watering to maintain moisture levels.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize the roundleaf serviceberry once a year in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production. Take care not to overfertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth or even salt accumulation within the soil.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the dormant season to remove any crossed branches or dead wood. It is also essential to prune annually to maintain a desirable shape and promote fruit production. When pruning, remove any growth that is older than 3 years and cut back the branches by a third, taking care not to remove too much of the current year's growth.
Propagation of Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea
Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea, commonly known as blood serviceberry or western serviceberry, can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea can be collected in late summer or autumn after the berries have ripened and turned dark purple. The seeds can be extracted from the fruits by squishing them in water and then drying the seeds on paper towels. Once dried, the seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Stratification is not necessary for the germination of these seeds, but scarification may help to break the hard seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings of Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea can be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and stick it into a well-draining soil mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a plastic dome to maintain humidity and reduce moisture loss. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Rooting should occur in approximately 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by layering
Layering is an easy and rewarding method of propagating Amelanchier sanguinea var. sanguinea. In the spring, select a healthy, flexible stem that is close to the ground. Scrape off a small patch of bark on the bottom of the stem, apply rooting hormone powder, and then bury that section of the stem in soil, leaving the tip exposed. Keep the soil moist and roots should form at the buried portion of the stem in approximately 6-8 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and potted up or planted in a suitable location.
Disease Management
Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots are caused by various fungi and can be identified by brown, black, or purple spots on the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spots:
- Remove infected leaves and destroy them.
- Water your plant from below to prevent spreading the spores.
- Avoid overhead watering whenever possible
- Apply a fungicide if the disease persists
Cedar apple rust
Cedar apple rust is a fungal disease that affects not only Amelanchier sanguinea but also apple trees, cedar trees, and various other plants. It is characterized by yellow spots on the leaves that later develop into brownish-black swellings, which can cause the leaves to fall off. To manage cedar apple rust:
- Remove and destroy any infected leaves, fruits, or twigs immediately.
- Pruning and thinning the canopy can increase air circulation and reduce humidity, which can help keep the disease at bay.
- Apply a fungicide during the spring to reduce the spread of disease
Pest Management
Various pests can affect Amelanchier sanguinea (Pursh) DC. var. sanguinea. Proper pest management practices can help minimize the damage. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant juices. They can cause leaves to turn yellow or bronze and appear dusty. To manage spider mites:
- Spray water on the leaves to wash off the pests
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can create new growth and attract spider mites.
- Apply insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray to reduce mite populations
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. They can cause yellowing and stunting of plant growth. To manage leafhoppers:
- Remove and destroy any heavily infested plants as they can cause a faster spread of disease.
- Use a natural or chemical insecticide to manage the pests
