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

Common Caragana vs Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Caragana arborescens

Amelanchier alnifolia Thiessen

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Caragana
Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

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.

Thiessen Saskatoon is a deciduous shrub that produces delicious edible fruit. It is one of the most productive saskatoon varieties. Its fruit is great in pies, preserves or eating fresh.

Thiessen Saskatoon is popular with U-Picks and home owners because of its taller tree-like shape and larger berries. But it is not the best choice for berry orchards as it is too tall for most mechanical harvesting equipment.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: blue
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: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry