Shadblow Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Shadblow Serviceberry

The Shadblow Serviceberry is a shrubby tree native to the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine through the Carolinas. Featuring gorgeous panicles of white blossoms that become delectable Juneberries, aka Saskatoon berries in June! The 3-inch dark green leaves fill out your tree, starting out softly fuzzy at first they later become glossy and smooth! Those same leaves will turn a delightful golden in the fall.

Before its leaves even begin to appear, its 5-petaled clusters of white spring flowers held in erect racemes about 2″ long. These will stand in sharp contrast to the browns and greys of your transitioning landscape in early March. It has an interesting silver striped bark that is displayed when the plant is pruned into a small tree. Highly ornamental from start to finish, Serviceberry are lovely spring blooming and fall color plants that dress up any landscape.

You’ll enjoy watching the flowers give way to the small green berries as they progress from green to red, and eventually transform into a deep purple-black. Serviceberries, also called Juneberries, look like large, dark blue Blueberries and taste similar, but with an almond-like accent. The dark gems are ready to enjoy straight from the bush or used in various jams and pies.

Planting and Application:

These are wonderful bird-friendly and wildlife-friendly native plants and lovely screening and privacy trees, not to mention summer fruit! Group or cluster in odd numbers for Bird-Friendly habitat, shelter and food sources in naturalized plantings near your back property. Suckering freely when allowed, these form groves readily. Or use closely planted rows of other Serviceberry or in a mixed-tree planting for light screening and privacy that neighbors won’t mind!

It is a shrubby tree that can be left alone to grow into a suckering shrub or pruned to a multi or single-stemmed tree. These easy-care trees are highly adaptable and versatile, so much so that they’re often a go-to choice for commercial plantings and landscaping! Known to attract butterflies, beneficial insects and bees, they also are fantastic Host Plants for over 124 caterpillars and larvae! They’re a natural in pollinator gardens, cottage gardens and as an airy specimen or anchor in the perennial bed.

  • White Racemes of Flowers in Early Spring
  • Edible Blue-Black Fruit in June
  • Golden Foliage in Autumn
  • Multi-Stemmed Bushy, Open & Airy Canopy
  • Wildlife Interest, Native & Woodland Plantings

Tips for Care:

Serviceberry grows anywhere in full sun and moist to boggy soil. Plant in full sun for the most flowers and fruit. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, just be sure to provide moderate, consistent moisture at first. Then these trees are adaptable and drought tolerant once established. Mulch the root system well for insulation and moisture retention, and to conceal any of the dropped berries that may stain pavement or grass for a short period each summer.

  • Full Sun
  • Moist to Average Well-Drained Soil
  • Prune Late Winter & Early Spring
  • Powdery Mildew & Drought Resistant Once Established
  • Tolerates Boggy Soil

With delicious fruit and delightful flowers, the hardy native Shadblow Serviceberry tree is exactly the colorful boost your landscape has been looking for!

Shadblow Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) Details

Common name Shadblow Serviceberry
Botanical name Amelanchier canadensis
Plant type Deciduous
Hardiness zone 4-8
Growth rate Medium
Harvest time 3-5 Years
Height 20 - 25 ft.
Width 10 - 15 ft.
Sunlight Full Sun
Moisture Medium to Moist
Soil condition Widely Adaptable
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Pruning time When Dormant
Flower color Snowy White
Leaf color Gray Green