When does Smooth Shadbush bloom?

Amelanchier laevis blooms in April and May, producing clusters of white flowers before the leaves fully emerge.

What pollinators visit Smooth Shadbush?

Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Amelanchier laevis flowers, attracted to the early spring nectar source.

Where is Smooth Shadbush native?

Amelanchier laevis is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west through the Great Lakes states to Minnesota and Iowa.

What growing conditions does Smooth Shadbush prefer?

This adaptable tree tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.

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.

Smooth Shadbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amelanchier laevis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Amelanchier laevis is a native deciduous tree producing white spring flowers in April and May across eastern North America from Maine to Georgia and west to Minnesota.

Smooth Shadbush (Amelanchier laevis) — Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Étienne Lacroix-Carignan

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 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 Smooth Shadbush bloom?: Amelanchier laevis blooms in April and May, producing clusters of white flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
What pollinators visit Smooth Shadbush?: Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Amelanchier laevis flowers, attracted to the early spring nectar source.
Where is Smooth Shadbush native?: Amelanchier laevis is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west through the Great Lakes states to Minnesota and Iowa.
What growing conditions does Smooth Shadbush prefer?: This adaptable tree tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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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