Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Amelanchier alnifolia Thiessen

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Raspberry
Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

The Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Thiessen Saskatoon is a deciduous shrub that produces delicious edible fruit. It is one of the most productive saskatoon varieties. Its fruit is great in pies, preserves or eating fresh.

Thiessen Saskatoon is popular with U-Picks and home owners because of its taller tree-like shape and larger berries. But it is not the best choice for berry orchards as it is too tall for most mechanical harvesting equipment.

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Berries: red to black
Berries: blue
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry