Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Spicebush

Amelanchier alnifolia

Lindera benzoin

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Spicebush

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.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: fragrant
Flowers: greenish yellow
Berries: purple-blue
Berries: red
Firmness: firm
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Native to: ON
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice