Canadian serviceberry (amelanchier canadensis)

The serviceberry, or Amelanchier canadensis, is a species of shrub native to North America. It is an ornamental and fruit tree prized as much for its spectacular spring flowers as for its edible fruit. It grows naturally in moist woods, forest edges, and along streams.

🌳Botanical information on the Canadian serviceberry

• Scientific name
• Amelanchier canadensis
• Common name
• Canadian serviceberry, oval-leaved serviceberry, serviceberry
• Family
• Rosaceae
• Origin
• Eastern Canada and northeastern United States
• Type
• Shrub or small tree
• Hardiness
• Zone 3 to 8 (very hardy, approximately -35°C)

🌿 Description

• Adult size
• 4 to 8 m high, 3 to 6 m wide
• Habit
• Erect, multi-stemmed, sometimes tree-like
• Foliage
• Deciduous, dark green in summer, flamboyant orange-red in fall
• Flowering
• April-May (before or just as leaves appear)
• Flowers
• White, in clusters, very ornamental
• Fruiting
• June-July
• Fruits
• Small purple-black berries, edible, sweet taste

🍇 Edible fruit

• Common name: “saskatoons,” “wild pears”

• Taste: Similar to blueberries with a hint of almond

• Uses: Pies, jams, jellies, syrups, or raw

• Nutritional value: Antioxidants, fiber, vitamins A and C

🌸Ornamental value

The serviceberry is highly prized in gardens and landscaping for:

• Its abundant spring flowers

• Its colorful fall foliage

• Its elegant silhouette

• Its appeal to wildlife (nectar-producing flowers, fruit for birds)

🌱Cultivation

• Exposure
• Sun or partial shade
• Soil
• Prefers cool, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
• Maintenance
• Low – light pruning as needed
• Watering
• Regular at first, tolerates drought well once established
• Propagation
• Seeds, cuttings, suckers

🐝 Ecology & biodiversity

• Honey plant very attractive to bees and other pollinators

• Birds (such as blackbirds) love the fruit

• Native plant = important role in local ecosystems

✅Advantages

• Hardy and resistant

• Very decorative

• Delicious and nutritious fruit

• Few diseases or pests

• Promotes local biodiversity

⚠️Points to watch out for

• The fruit may be eaten by birds before harvest

• In soil that is too dry or too calcareous, it may lose its vigor

• May suckering if the roots are disturbed

🌿 In summary

The serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is a multifunctional plant: ornamental, fruit-bearing, and ecological. It is an excellent choice for those who want to combine beauty and utility in a northern or natural garden.