Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Common Caragana - TreeTime.ca

Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Common Caragana

Amelanchier alnifolia Smoky

Caragana arborescens

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Common Caragana

Smoky Saskatoon is a large deciduous shrub that suckers and produces edible fruit. Smoky Saskatoons are one of the most productive and widely used Saskatoons and have large sweet berries with good yields.

One of the oldest and first good yielding cultivars, a majority of the commercial saskatoon orchards were based on this cultivar until Northline and other cultivars were introduced.

Smoky has slightly smaller fruit than Northline and a milder taste but is not acidic like Pembina, Thiessen or Honeywood.

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 1b
Height: 4 m (14 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: orange to red
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: produces large edible berries great for eating raw
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, smokey saskatoon, smokey serviceberry, western juneberry, western serviceberry
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia