Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Amelanchier alnifolia Martin

Vaccinium membranaceum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Mountain Huckleberry

Martin Saskatoon is a prairie hardy shrub. The berries have a large size and a delicious taste. This species has consistent yield, making it great for both orchards and small gardens. The berries ripen uniformly, making them convenient for machine harvesting.

Mountain Huckleberry is a small shrub known for its tart to sweet berries. The berries range from purple-black to red-black, and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and syrups. It is a plant native to Alberta and the berries are frequently enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

In traditional Indigenous fire management practices, berry patches were burned after harvest. This would reduce the invasion of other plants allowing the Mountain Huckleberry to thrive. Its foliage has low flammability and can survive low severity fires, and even if destroyed they regrow from the roots.

Note: Mountain Huckleberry requires specific soil conditions. They need moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH around 5.5.

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.49 - SAVE UP TO 35%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 5a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: produces large edible berries
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: high




Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry
Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry