Amelanchier alnifolia |
Native Region: Western North America
Zone Range: 3-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 05 February, 2008
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
This hardy multipurpose shrub looks great in any landscape. Oval blue green leaves are a back drop for open spike like clusters of ivory strap petaled flowers in mid May. Loved by nectar seekers in spring. Berries start off green, turn white, take on a blush then ripen to resemble blueberries. If you can beat the birds to the fruit, consider yourself lucky. Great in pies, jams and jellies. Shrub/trees on our property vary in size from 2-5 meters in height with near equal spread. Loves mulch. Prune sparingly as fruit is produced on last year's new growth.
Notes:
Fruit production is enhanced in coolish microclimates in warmer climates (zone 7 or better) and even moisture. A tough plant adaptable to varying soils. Mason, our resident 2 point buck, thoughly thrashed a couple of shrubs in preparation for the rutt. With all the shredded bark and torn branches, I thought these were a write off, but no they bounced back quite nicely.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours. Place seed in resealable baggie of equal parts moist peat and sand. Cold stratify at 4C for 90-180 days. Sow shallow (4 mm deep) as it might need some light to germinate. Give 15-18 C to germinate in 30 days. Alternate: fall sowing in deep pots and use fine mulch to keep seed moist. Should germinate readily in spring. If it means anything, lots sprout at the base of our large dogwoods and rhododendrons.
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