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

Western Snowberry vs Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Amelanchier alnifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Western Snowberry
Common 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.

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

Western Snowberry Quick Facts

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans

Flowers: pinkish white
Berries: small, white, poisonous to humans
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
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: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry