Content Detail

Inland shadbush is related to serviceberry and offers similar ornamental features, including white flowers, small red berries, and excellent fall color. It may be difficult to find in nurseries. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

  • Family (English) Rose
  • Family (botanic) Rosaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks, Under utility lines, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
  • Size range Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
  • Mature height 15-25 feet
  • Mature width 20-30 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil
  • Season of interest early spring, mid spring, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
  • Shape or form Multi-stemmed, Narrow, Round
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
  • Wildlife Birds, Browsers, Insect pollinators, Small mammals
  • Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat: 

C-Value: 8. It is native to the northern and eastern United States.

Bark color and texture: 

The bark is smooth and gray. The plant is often multi-trunked. 

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

The leaves are simple and alternate. The oval leaves are green in the summer and vary from yellow to orange to red in the fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size: 

Fragrant white flowers appear in May and are held in loose clusters.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: 

The edible fruit is a small, red, berrylike (pome).

Plant care: 

The tree does best on well-drained soils.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: 

This tree has no serious problems. It is tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

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