Description
Amelanchier canadensis
Also known as Juneberry (due to its fruiting season in its Canadian home), and Shadbush. Hardy deciduous shrub or small tree to 6m, which may be single or multi-stemmed. Can grow in sun or part shade and tolerates most soil types. Prefers some moisture – we find it does well here in Hawke’s Bay in part shade on the south side of a hill. It is wind tolerant and can be used as part of a shelterbelt, though not in coastal areas.
Pale pink delicate blossoms are followed by edible berries in mid-Summer, dark red and approx. 10mm diameter. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked; cooked it imparts a slight almond flavour. The fruit is rich in iron and copper. The tree also has medicinal uses – traditionally a tea was made from the root bark (mixed with other unspecified herbs) and used as a tonic in the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding and also to treat diarrhoea. A bath of the bark tea was used on children with worms and an infusion of the root was used to prevent miscarriage after an injury. A compound concoction of the inner bark was used as a disinfectant wash. The wood is hard and strong and useful for making small tool handles. Amelanchiers can also be used as a dwarfing rootstock for apples and pears.
Certified Organic Plant.
PB5 Approx height 80 – 110cm, PB8 Approx height 100 – 120cm