Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), commonly known as Saskatoon or Shadbush, is a deciduous shrub that produces a tasty berry great for both humans and wildlife. Serviceberry prefers to be in open sites with lots of sunshine and tends to not do well in heavy clay soils. Avoid planting near cedars and junipers as these plants are susceptible to cedar rust. When in bloom, it produces beautiful fragrant white flowers. Although it is slow growing, this plant can spread through rhizomes and seeds.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: Fragrant white flowers, round black berries
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Dry, seasonally wet soil
Ease of Growing: High
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time: April–June
Spreads: By rhizome, seed, sucker
Benefits: Wildlife, Pollinators, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, Deer resistant, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: Yes
Mature Height: 4–12 feet
Mature Width: 6–8 feet
