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

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Amelanchier alnifolia

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Mountain Huckleberry
Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

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.

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry