Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Red Alder

Amelanchier alnifolia

Alnus rubra

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Red Alder

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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: medium


Bark: smooth, grey
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Native to: BC
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder