tree · design plant record
Amelanchier canadensis
Shadblow serviceberry
A substantial small tree or large shrub for spring flowers, fruit and autumn colour. Its canopy is far too wide to treat as a 1 m border accent.
- Height at maturity
- 4.57–7.62 m (15–25 ft)
- Spread at maturity
- 4.57–6.1 m (15–20 ft)
- Light
- Sun / Part shade
- Moisture
- Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)
- Source-reported USDA zones
- 3–8 · verify subzone and cultivar
- Principal seasonal role
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Fit it to the site
Moist, draining soil; prefers sandy loam and partial shade. Some tolerance of clay and occasional wetness.
Reject a cramped bed or a design dependent on keeping the species permanently tiny. Hot full sun needs particular moisture attention; source zones extend only to 8a.
Keep the care in the decision
Retain sufficient root and canopy room. Establish with appropriate watering and inspect for pests or decline. Obtain qualified tree advice near structures, utilities or protected trees.
Origin & safety checks
Eastern North America. Confirm local range and provenance for a native planting.
Do not identify edible fruit from this design profile alone. Confirm identity, growing history and suitability before any food use; pet toxicity is not assessed.
Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.
Factual source · checked 3 October 2026
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Amelanchier canadensis
Ranges are rounded metric conversions of the source's dimensions. Growth varies with cultivar and conditions. Linked source photographs can help verify identity; our concept garden images cannot.