Botanical profile

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Thiessen'

Latin name
Amelanchier alnifolia 'Thiessen'
Common name
'Thiessen' Serviceberry
Type
Native fruit-bearing shrub
Family
Rosaceae

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Thiessen', or 'Thiessen' saskatoon berry, is a vigorous fruiting cultivar renowned for producing some of the largest fruits of the species, with sweet, juicy, and very sugary flesh. Its spring bloom of delicate white flower clusters attracts pollinators, while its deep green foliage creates a rich and dense mass effect, enhanced by warm colors in the fall. Ideal for edible hedges, natural orchards, or food crops, it offers excellent yield for fresh consumption, jams, juices, or drying. Robust and easy to maintain, 'Thiessen' combines beauty, abundant production, and reliable hardiness, while supporting local biodiversity.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 2
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate, tolerates drought well once established
Fertilization
Mature compost or natural fertilizer in spring
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerant
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pure white
Fruiting
Very large, purplish-blue, juicy fruit with an intense sweet flavor
Foliage color
Dark green → orange-yellow
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Bushy upright
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4 m (13 ft)
Width
10 ft (3 m)
Growth rate
Moderate
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.