Amelanchier alnifolia

RHS Plant Profile
alder-leaved serviceberry

Other common names

saskatoon

Synonyms

Aronia alnifolia

Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A medium to large, bushy, deciduous and upright shrub or small tree of open habit, that can sucker and form small colonies. Bronze-tinged young leaves that are oval or circular in shape turn orange and red in autumn. Five-petalled, white flowers about 2-3cm across, appear in spring as the leaves unfurl and expand. The edible fruits are small, red-purple to blue-purple berries about 10mm in diameter, closely resemble a blueberry, and are often eaten by birds and squirrels

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
Genus
Amelanchier are small deciduous trees or shrubs with showy white flowers in early spring, red to purple fruits and often good autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
NW N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun. Fruits are enjoyed by birds.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.