The Differences Between Shadbush and Saskatoon Serviceberry

What's in a Name?

• The common name shadbush is sometimes applied to a wider range of serviceberries; it's sometimes a common name for the genus itself because these bushes flower at the same time that shad begin their journey upriver to spawn. However, in some cases, shadbush refers to the common -- or downy -- serviceberry. Saskatoon serviceberry is commonly known as Western serviceberry or alder-leaved serviceberry. Juneberry is another common name for serviceberries.

Size

• Common serviceberry grows 15 to 25 feet tall and has an equally large spread. In the wild, however, this serviceberry can grow up to 40 feet tall. Among the serviceberries, this species is the most treelike. Saskatoon serviceberry, on the other hand, typically stays under 10 feet, although it can grow to heights of anywhere between 3 and 18 feet.

Requirements

• Both types of serviceberry prefer partial shade in areas with moist, well-drained soil. However, they tolerate full sun if given enough water. They also tolerate different soil types -- including heavy clay -- as long as they're given proper water and fertilizer. One of the downsides of many serviceberry shrubs is their quickness to produce root suckers. When maintaining these shrubs, remove the root suckers at first sight or you could end up with a very bushy shrub.

Flowers, Fruit and Foliage

• Both common and Saskatoon serviceberries have delicate white flowers in spring followed by dark, sweet, edible berries. Autumn color is a favored feature of these native plants. Common serviceberry has the ability to turn from green to a deep wine-colored centerpiece in your garden; Saskatoon serviceberry leaves turn from glossy green to orange-red and retain their fall color for long periods of time.