Western Snowberry vs Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) - TreeTime.ca

Western Snowberry vs Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Amelanchier alnifolia Martin

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Western Snowberry
Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Like the Common Snowberry, the Western Snowberry is a small shrub with pink flowers useful for feeding livestock and preventing erosion. Unlike the common species, however, the Western Snowberry is much more suited to wet conditions, capable of persevering through poor soil drainage and occasional flooding.

After the Snowberry's flowers have bloomed, it produces berries which often last on the plant through winter. These berries are toxic to humans, but livestock and local wildlife love them! Those hoping to attract wildlife to their property can plant Snowberry and expect to see animals foraging on it much later in the year than other plants.

Martin Saskatoon is a prairie hardy shrub. The berries have a large size and a delicious taste. This species has consistent yield, making it great for both orchards and small gardens. The berries ripen uniformly, making them convenient for machine harvesting.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: produces large edible berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: buckbrush, wolfberry
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry