Botanical profile

Amelanchier alnifolia

Latin name
Amelanchier alnifolia
Common name
Small hedgerow pear tree
Type
Fruit shrub
Family
Rosaceae

Amelanchier alnifolia, or Saskatoon berry, is a versatile and ornamental native shrub, widely appreciated for its abundant spring bloom of white clusters, which announce the arrival of delicious small sweet fruits similar to blueberries. Highly valued in edible and naturalistic landscaping, it attracts a wide diversity of birds and pollinators, while adding an elegant touch to informal hedges, borders, or groves. Its green foliage turns yellow, orange, and sometimes red in autumn, creating three seasons of visual interest. Resilient, hardy, and easy to grow, it thrives in a variety of well-drained soils. Amelanchier alnifolia fits perfectly into food or biodiversity gardens, combining beauty, utility, and naturalness with simplicity.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 2
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate watering
Fertilization
Spring berry fertilizer. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Add Myke when planting.
Soil type
Slightly acidic to neutral, well drained
Minimum temperature
'-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
White
Fruiting
Bluish-purple berries, sweet, edible fresh or as jam
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Shrubby
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
10 ft (3 m)
Width
3 m (10 feet)
Growth rate
average
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Serviceberry
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.