Smooth Shadbush
Amelanchier laevis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Amelanchier laevis is a small deciduous tree that produces white flowers in April and May, followed by dark purple berries, and does well in part sun with medium moisture along woodland edges.
Toxicity unknown
Smooth Shadbush (Amelanchier laevis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Smooth Shadbush as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Smooth shadbush is an attractive small native tree that produces clusters of white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It develops into a graceful specimen with smooth gray bark and provides excellent four-season interest with spring blooms, summer berries, and brilliant fall color.
Growing Smooth Shadbush
Grow Smooth Shadbush in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth Shadbush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The abundant spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The dark purple berries that follow feed birds and other wildlife throughout summer.
Common questions
- When does Amelanchier laevis bloom?
- Amelanchier laevis typically flowers in April and May, producing clusters of small white blossoms before the leaves fully expand.
- What insects visit the flowers of Amelanchier laevis?
- The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, which feed on pollen and nectar during bloom.
- How much light and water does Amelanchier laevis need?
- This tree grows best in part sun with medium, evenly moist soil, though it can tolerate brighter or somewhat drier conditions once established.
- What is the growth habit of Amelanchier laevis?
- Amelanchier laevis grows as a small deciduous tree, often with a rounded canopy and multiple slender trunks.
- Is Smooth Shadbush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Smooth Shadbush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Smooth Shadbush HOA-friendly?
- Smooth Shadbush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Smooth Shadbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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