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Rain Garden Plants: Serviceberry

Height: 35 to 50 ft.
Bloom color: White
Bloom time: April
Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
Salt tolerance: Intolerant of soil salt and salt spray
Spreading habit: Root suckers

An informative guide to serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis, A. Laevis), detailing its unique characteristics, site preferences, and value to wildlife.

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Updated:

December 3, 2025

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Serviceberry flowers; photo by Mike Masiuk, Penn State Extension

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Serviceberry is an attractive native, large shrub or small tree that provides year-round interest. It is in the rose family (Roseaceae). Common names include shadbush, shadblow, Saskatoon, sugarplum, and juneberry. It is one of the first shrubs to flower in the spring. The showy, white, 5-petaled flowers measure 3 to 6 inches in size and are a nectar source for pollinators. The fruit is a berry-like pome that starts green, turns red, and turns purple when mature. Fruits are edible, resembling blueberries. They are a food source for a variety of birds. It has small, elliptical-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges. Leaves turn brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds in the fall. The grayish bark provides winter interest. It supports many Lepidoptera species (moth and butterfly caterpillars). It is intolerant of drought and wind.