Native Plants
Saskatoon Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia
Saskatoon serviceberry is a native deciduous shrub or small tree with white flowers in spring, edible purple-black berries, and fall color. Its upright, multiple stems can spread into a colony, making it useful along a woodland edge or in a hedgerow with room to grow. In gardens it often reaches about 10 to 15 feet tall, though some sites support a taller tree; allow about 10 feet or more across. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Birds and other wildlife use the fruit, while the flowers support pollinators. Water regularly while it establishes.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- Often about 10–15 ft; can reach 20–30 ft
- Mature spread
- Allow about 10 ft or more
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zone 2
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Plant along a woodland edge or in a hedgerow where its stems have room to spread. The flowers support pollinators, and birds and mammals eat the fruit.
Where to plant
Choose full sun to partial shade and allow about 10 feet or more of width. Stems may spread into a colony.
Through the seasons
White flowers appear in spring, followed by edible purple-black berries. The foliage adds fall color.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This species is native to Washington and Oregon. Rust diseases can affect serviceberry-related hosts; check unfamiliar symptoms before treatment.
Soil, drainage & water
Moist, well-drained soil suits it best, though it tolerates a range of garden conditions. Water while the plant establishes.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water during establishment. Prune only as needed to remove crossing branches or older stems.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Possible rust disease
Investigate new rust-colored spots or growths; symptoms depend on the rust and its host.
Help your plant thrive
Check affected growth and follow local guidance before treatment. Remove diseased material as appropriate.
Spreading stems
New stems spread beyond the original plant.
Help your plant thrive
Allow room for a colony or remove unwanted stems as they appear.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Golden currant
Ribes aureum
Fragrant yellow spring flowers and variable-colored berries make golden currant useful in informal edible planting, provided its suckering habit and regional provenance are considered.
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Choke Cherry
Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry brings spring flowers and summer fruit to roomy habitat plantings; allow for suckers and protect people and livestock from its toxic leaves and pits.
Explore this plantFlowering currant
Ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle'
White Icicle flowering currant offers white spring flowers, wildlife value, and an upright native shrub form for sunny or partly shaded, well-drained Southwest Washington gardens.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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for your place.
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