Amelanchier alnifolia (Alder-leaved serviceberry, Saskatoon)

Amelanchier alnifolia Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais



Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Amelanchier alnifolia am-el-AN-keer all-nih-FOE-lee-ah Common Name: Alder-leaved serviceberry, Saskatoon Genus: Amelanchier
This multi-stemmed shrub or tree can reach almost 20 feet tall. At one time, it was used medicinally for many conditions. Its autumn color is bright red or yellow and its small, edible black fruits attract much wildlife.
Care: Provide full sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained, soil. Space 5 to 7 feet apart with 6-inch layer of manure.
Problems: Susceptible to fireblight and fungal leaf spots.  Additionally, gymnosporangium rust and powdery mildew are common.  Dieback and cankers can be caused by fungi.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Interesting Bark; Native; Showy Fall Foliage
Bloom Time Spring
Style Herb Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

Plants you might also like

Rosa 'Blanc Double de Coubert' Rosa 'Blanc Double de Coubert'
(Hedgehog rose, Ramanas rose, Japanese rose, Sea tomato)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The white of this rose has a purity of color that is without equal. It produces semi-double, very fragrant flowers from spring to fall, which are sometimes followed by orange hips. It grows to 6 feet high and wide.   

Clethra alnifolia Clethra alnifolia
(Sweet pepperbush)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This upright, suckering shrub has fragrant, white or pink terminal flower spikes in late summer. The blooms look like bottle brushes and attract butterflies and bees. Leaves turn a pleasant yellow in autumn.

Aronia arbutifolia Aronia arbutifolia
(Red chokeberry)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Fragrant white flowers in spring, red fall foliage, and persistent berries for winter interest make Aronia a valuable plant in all seasons.

Rosa 'Charles Albanel' Rosa 'Charles Albanel'
(Hedgehog rose, Ramanas rose, Japanese rose, Sea tomato)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This spreading rose grows to only 2 feet tall, making it an ideal groundcover for a steep bank or roadside. It produces fragrant, double, deep-pink blossoms from spring to fall.  

Rosa rugosa var. alba Rosa rugosa var. alba
(Hedgehog rose, Ramanas rose, Japanese rose, Sea tomato)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This variety has single, papery white blossoms that open from light pink buds and have contrasting yellow stamens. The heavily-scented flowers are followed by reddish-orange hips. It grows up to 6 feet high.