Amelanchier alnifolia variety Smoky

The 'Smoky' Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smoky') is a highly popular and widely cultivated variety, known for its reliable and abundant harvests. 

'Smoky' produces small to medium-sized, sweet, blue-black berries with a mild, slightly almond-like flavor and lower acidity compared to some other varieties. They are excellent for fresh eating, baking, jams, pies, and other culinary uses. The berries typically ripen in early to mid-summer.

 This is a hardy, deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 10 feet. It has an upright, spreading growth habit and is known to sucker freely, forming multi-stemmed bushes.

Beyond its delicious fruit, 'Smoky' offers ornamental appeal. It features beautiful clusters of white, star-shaped flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, and its dark green foliage turns to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and crimson in the fall.

 Smoky is very cold-hardy and adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, preferring full sun to partial shade for optimal fruit production.

It's relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning in late winter to remove dead or weak branches and encourage new growth. It is self-pollinating, but having multiple plants can increase fruit yield.