Regent Serviceberry

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent'. Compact multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a spreading, somewhat open vase-shaped form that can be trained as multi-branched tree-form. Dense upright spreading habit. Suckers nicely - best with renewal pruning removing oldest stems to ground allowing younger suckers to grow. Showy and slightly fragrant 5-petaled white flowers 3/4 inch diameter held in upright clusters, masses of flowers in compact clusters, early spring (April) before leaves. Small oval-rounded finely-toothed leaves pale to dark green (bluish leaves with gray-green undersides). Foliage turns yellow to burgundy/red in fall. Light gray bark with charcoal-gray striations. Self-fertile. Very cold hardy. Adaptable to wide range of soil conditions, tolerates heavy clay. Full sun to part shade. Slow growth rate. Expected lifespan approximately 20 years. Susceptible to powdery mildew, rust spots, fire blight. Occasional pests: sawflies, scales, borers, leaf miners. Some reports of cedar-apple rust. 

Small round edible abundant berries up to 1/2 inch diameter. Ripen to dark blue-purple to purplish-black in June (first week June). High-quality extra-sweet berries. Sweet blueberry-like taste with hints of strawberry, blueberry, touch of almond flavor. Fruits ripen in bunches. Loaded with vitamin C, calcium, iron, antioxidant compounds. Good for fresh eating (stand around bush and enjoy), jams, jellies, pies, juice, preserves. Similar to blueberries.

Selected near Regent, North Dakota for high-quality extra-sweet red-to-black fruit clusters. Hardy juneberry/saskatoon from South Dakota. Very productive bush. Compact 4-6 foot height perfect for easy harvesting. Trouble-free plant, all-season ornamental. Good red fall color, profuse white spring flowers. Native North American species Amelanchier alnifolia. Also called saskatoon and serviceberry in different parts of country. First native plant to bloom in spring. Can be planted in rows for effect or serious picking. Adaptable and easy to grow - much easier than blueberries, don't need soil preparation like blueberries. Excellent for edible landscapes, shrub borders, woodland gardens.