Saskatoon

Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia), also known as serviceberry or Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is common in the montane and subalpine zones of Banff National Park and gave the Bow River its Stoney Nakoda name; Ijathibe Wapta, “place of the Saskatoon bows.”

Identification

Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree (1–6 m); oval, toothed leaves; clusters of white, five-petaled flowers in spring; purple-black, apple-like berries in summer. Berries are sweet and edible; a favourite of bears, birds, and people.

Habitat

Open forests, forest edges, riparian zones, and disturbed sites. Montane (1,350–1,650 m) to subalpine. Often with buffaloberry, wild rose, and aspen.

Traditional use

Indigenous peoples harvested berries for pemmican, drying, and fresh eating. Stems were used for arrow shafts and bows; hence the Bow River’s Indigenous name. Do not pick in the park without permits.