North Dakotans call them "Juneberries."

Canadians call them "Saskatoons."

Out west, they go by "Rocky Mountain blueberry."

And like the rose, some wonder if by any other name they would be so sweet.

Plant researchers from North Dakota State University's extension service are holding A Juneberry pageant this spring, looking for the prettiest, sweetest and most consistent native shrubs west of the Missouri River.

They'll judge all contenders, with bonus points going to shrubs with easy-to-pick fruit on dense branches and around 16 feet tall.

Winners will wind up at the university, where they'll be propagated and turned into new commercial varieties.

Best of all, those whose Juneberry shrubs are chosen will get a hand in naming it, perhaps something like the "Ida Mae," after a dear grandmother.

People who have or know someone with good, consistently producing Juneberry shrubs should call soon.

Plant specialists will be out this summer to make their inspections working from a list of 20 to 25 criteria, including resistance to disease and insects. All locations will be kept secret.

Extension forester Joe Zeleznik said there's no one ideal characteristic, but most votes will go toward those with large juicy berries.

A similar call last summer resulted in 17 specimens taken for a closer look. Researchers are hoping for at least five contenders from the west, said Zeleznik.

Juneberry orchards are a growing enterprise in North Dakota. The research project is aimed at providing a North Dakota alternative to Canadian Juneberry stock for people who want a few for their yard, or a few thousand for a commercial venture.

Dan Kelner owns the Juneberry Patch, near Velva.

He and his wife, Betty, have more than 3,600 Juneberry shrubs on more than three acres. Without irrigation, they still manage to produce a reliable, consistent crop that people can either pick themselves at $12 a gallon or pay $18 a gallon to have picked for them.

Kelner uses Juneberry stock from Canada, where most available nursery stock originates.

He said he's pleased with all the work on Canadian species and doesn't think he'd switch anyway.

He said business is booming and many who come to buy or pick enjoy reminiscing about old berry-picking days as much as anything..

Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes are good customers because the native fruit is served in traditional puddings and cornballs at ceremonies and funerals.

Kelner said there's a lot of untapped potential for Juneberries. They have twice the fiber of blueberries and are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C.

He loves them mixed into a dessert concoction with cream cheese, but says people buy them for pie, jams and winemaking.

He said he's looking to sell his established orchards, which he describes as a hobby run amok.

The NDSU researchers want the public's help because, to go out in late June and early July to pick Juneberries is usually to know where the good ones are.

For questions, or to nominate shrubs for evaluation, call Zeleznik at 701-231-8143 or send an e-mail to joseph.zeleznik@;ndsu.edu.