Blueberries?

[crackergirl]

Can anyone tell me if this is a high country blueberry? The plants are spot-on match to the description and location of a high country blueberry, but the leaves are different than I expected. They are growing on a rocky outcrop in full late afternoon sun. The berries have the typical 5-point end on them and the inside of the berries look right, but are paler than domestic blues. I tasted one, but I don't care for blueberries, so I couldn't really tell.

[KarenBC]

The leaves look like what we call Saskatoons up here in Canada - I've also heard them called Serviceberries. They are a tree-like shrub and can be 15' tall.

I've got tame Saskatoons on my front lawn and pick them in the bush all around here.

Very similar to a blueberry - perhaps a few more seeds. I freeze them by the bagfull. I like them cooked in oatmeal, they don't break down and go mushy.

[cartershan]

Hi Crackergirl,
The service berries that we have here in Northwest Alabama are almost black and are smooth. The leaf in that picture looks like a type of viburnum. They also make an almost black berry when ripe.
That leaf really doesn't look like the blueberry we have here.
Do you have a local co-op or really knowledgeable person you could ask to be sure? I'd sure hate for you to eat something that might not be too good for ya!!
I've always heard not to eat the berries raw from viburnums.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
shannon

[sissy]

I've got 3 different kind of blueberry bushes, they're not wild. But the leaves are nothing like yours. Mine are kind of long, with one point.
Sorry I couldn't help.
sissy

[crackergirl]

I sent the same pictures to extension service, but have heard nothing back. I will take a sample in next time I go to town, but I only get there about every 10 days :) and meanwhile the chipmunks are eating like crazy! I think I will pick and freeze some as they ripen, then if the extension says they are serviceberry or saskatoons, I have them and if not, the hens will enjoy 'em.

[crackergirl]

The extension office was able to id the plant, it is indeed serviceberry. And then they gave me a recipe for jam from the juice! Yay!

[KarenBC]

I'm so glad they id it for you!

This evening I snapped a picture of the Saskatoons in my front yard so we could compare, same plant, but different name.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f5/hartbooks/Saskatoons.jpg

They are super in oatmeal instead of blueberries, as they hold their shape nicely.
I like them in pies too - in place of blueberries, but some folks find them a bit seedy for that.

[crackergirl]

I was told that most people don't eat these as is, but use the juice for jam. But I think I will try a pie, anyway as soon as more are ripe. Nearly broke my fool neck today picking and not watching my feet!!:man_in_love:
I wonder if that means that the soil and climate are good for blueberries too? I know a lot of places nearby grow them commercially.

[KarenBC]

One of the best spots for picking Saskatoons here - has low bush blueberries right there too. The blueberries are tiny though. This is a particularly good year here for both berries.
When I was picking I mixed the 2 in my bucket - I kinda like them mixed up in my oatmeal.

I seen a weird looking gizmo at the hardware store for picking blueberries...sort of like a rake in a box.