Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Amelanchier alnifolia

Cotoneaster lucidus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

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 Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster