Whatever the season, the Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is adorned with beautiful finery. One of the very first trees to flower, and to ripen its fruits in July. It still stands out in the fall with its orange-red foliage.

Adaptable to various soils, even acidic, preferring fresh or humid but always well-drained soils, the Canadian Serviceberry is an excellent candidate for naturalizing banks, or for producing fruits in partial shade. Tolerates short floods. Eliminate suckers to preserve the tree’s shape, or let it sucker for a shrubby shape.

This is the perfect tree for birdwatchers. Birds particularly appreciate the sweet Saskatoon berries, which are similar to crabapples but are as tender as blueberries. Cooking them into jam, pies or other desserts reveals a taste of almond paste. Self-fertile.