Black Chokeberry (Aronia)
Aronia melanocarpa
A superfood berry on a bulletproof native shrub — glossy fruit, fiery fall colour, zero fuss.
- Zone 3–8
- 6 ft
- Full Sun
Nova Scotia grownShipped across CanadaSeasonal bare-root shipping
The Discovery Garden
Cold-hardy trees, berries, and native plants — every one grown for Canadian winters and matched to your zone.
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Aronia melanocarpa
A superfood berry on a bulletproof native shrub — glossy fruit, fiery fall colour, zero fuss.
Ships SpringIn StockSambucus canadensis
Hardy Elderberry Tree Are you ready to enhance your garden and boost your well-being with the power of elderberries? Our Elderberry Plants are the perfect choice. Here's why: Hardiness Zone Suitable for Zones 3-9, our Elderberry Plants adapt well to a wide range of climates, providing you with a reliable harvest. Ideal Soil Type These hardy shrubs thrive in well-draining, loamy soil, but they're remarkably adaptable to different soil types. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (around 6.0 to 7.0) for optimal growth. Fruit Size Enjoy abundant clusters of small, nutrient-rich elderberries, perfect for creating immune-boosting syrups, jams, pies, and even wine. Height of Our Elderberry Tree Plant Mature Elderberry Plants can reach heights of 6-12 feet, offering both visual appeal and privacy screening in your garden. Flowering Time The Elderberry tree bursts into creamy white blossoms in late spring to early summer, attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden. Growth Habits These plants display a bushy and vigorous growth habit, making them ideal for hedges, borders, or as standalone focal points in your landscape. What to Do with the Fruit Elderberries are versatile. Harvest and transform them into immune-boosting syrups, jams, jellies, and pies. They're also perfect for creating elderberry wine, rich in antioxidants. Ripeness Indicator Elderberries are ripe when they turn dark purple or black and have a soft, plump texture. Typically, this occurs in late summer to early fall. Additional Requirements - Sunlight: Ensure Elderberry tree receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for abundant fruit production. - Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season, to support healthy growth and fruit development. - Pruning: Regular pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and encourage new growth. - Pollination: These varieties are self-pollinating, but planting multiple Elderberry shrubs can increase fruit production. - Spacing: Plant Elderberry shrubs 6-10 feet apart to allow for healthy growth and airflow. Why Choose Our Elderberry Plants - Expertly Cultivated: Our Elderberry tree is grown with care, ensuring strong, healthy specimens ready to thrive in your garden. - Bountiful Harvests: Enjoy a generous supply of nutrient-rich elderberries, perfect for your well-being and culinary adventures. - Adaptable to Your Space: Elderberry can be tailored to your garden, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes. - Year-Round Beauty: Beyond the delectable fruit, they contribute to your garden's allure with their beautiful foliage and blossoms. Elderberry Tree Varieties: Native Elderberry: Bigger berries thrive on robust John elderberry plants, with a harvest typically arriving about two weeks after Adams. Low-maintenance bushes . Their lush green foliage adds an attractive gloss to your landscape. In spring, enjoy the sight of enormous clusters of white flowers that transform into soft, nearly black berries come late summer. Both the elderflowers and ripe elderberries are edible, making this cultivar versatile. John elderberries are cold-hardy and typically ripen in mid-August. They also serve as excellent pollinators for other elderberry varieties. Bob Gordan Elderberry: Bob Gordon elderberry stands out with its exceptionally sweet and plump berries, surpassing many other elderberry varieties. It was first discovered in Osceola, Missouri, in 1999. These berries boast an impressive antioxidant content, exceeding that of cherries by more than four times. Robust and prolific, Bob Gordon plants are low-maintenance and yield substantial ¼-inch elderberries, perfect for pies, jams, wines, and syrups. They exhibit some resistance to Japanese beetles. The unique hanging flower heads help naturally deter bird damage, but it's advisable to use netting to protect the fruit before ripening in July. Bob Gordon serves as an excellent pollinator for various elderberry varieties. Big Berry Elderberry Big Berry elderberry is selected for its impressively large, plump fruit clusters , producing noticeably bigger berries than most standard elderberry varieties. Known for its rich flavour and high antioxidant content, this variety offers exceptional yields that make it ideal for pies, jams, wines, syrups, and herbal uses. Vigorous and low-maintenance, Big Berry forms strong canes that support its heavy crops, thriving in cold climates with minimal care. The abundant flower heads develop into oversized, dark-purple berries that ripen mid-summer, making it a standout choice for homesteads, food forests, and small-scale farms. Plant alongside another elderberry variety for best pollination and maximum fruit set.
Lonicera caerulea
The earliest fruit of the season — tart-sweet berries on an ultra-hardy shrub. Plant two varieties.
Ships SpringIn StockCorylus americana
No Hazelnuts shipped to BC. 5 Great Reasons to Plant a Hazelnut Tree Easy-to-crack shell. Easy to pick from the tree. Produces nuts in 3–5 years . Fast-growing tree. Versatile! Plant as a hedge, on its own, or in an orchard. Choose between 4 different hazelnut tree seedlings : Geneva – Biggest nut Het 3 – A sweet nut Northern – Most cold-hardy nut Slate – All-rounder Did You Know the Hazelnut Tree Needs a Partner Tree? Yes, that’s right. The hazelnut tree needs a pollinator tree to produce nuts. Pick at least two different varieties when selecting your hazelnut tree seedlings. Our hazelnut trees are shrub-like trees , growing to a height of about 15–25 feet . The hazelnut tree has a round, spreading crown and produces small, fragrant flowers in the spring . These flowers develop into groups of 1–4 green husks with nuts inside . They mature into the delicious brown hazelnuts we are all familiar with and enjoy eating. Easy-to-Crack Nuts All nuts need to be cracked, and hazelnuts are among the easiest . The shell is thin and the kernels are large . Once you collect your hazelnuts from the tree, simply use a regular kitchen nutcracker to enjoy their flavour. Easy Harvesting Because the hazelnut tree is smaller than most nut trees , it’s easy to harvest. The nuts usually grow within arm’s reach , and the higher branches are flexible enough to pull down to your level or to your picking partner’s baskets. Pick them when the nut twists easily inside the husk . One of the Fastest Nut Trees to Produce Among nut trees, the hazelnut is one of the quickest to produce . Our trees are grown in high-quality composted soil mix and typically reach 2–3 feet in their first year . Some growers have seen nuts within the first 3 years , though most will begin producing in 3–5 years — much faster than other nut trees that may take 8+ years . Fast-Growing and Easy to Maintain Hazelnut trees grow quickly once planted in their permanent location. Adding compost and mulch each year will help encourage new shoots and keep the plant healthy. Planting Your Hazelnut Tree We ship our trees bare-root . The roots are wrapped and kept moist during shipping. Plant your trees within 3 days of receiving them . Hazelnuts are great for: Privacy hedges Garden borders Shelter for other plants Orchard plantings If planting an orchard, space trees about 20 feet apart for best growth and productivity. Choosing Your Hazelnut Tree Choose from four varieties of hazelnut seedlings : Geneva – Biggest nut Het 3 – Sweet nut Northern – Most cold-hardy Slate – All-rounder with medium-sized, tasty nuts For proper pollination and nut production, plant at least two different varieties . Tree Size Options A Grade (Ground-Ready): Stronger, thicker stems for instant planting. B Grade (Ground-Ready): Smaller than A grade but still suitable for planting directly in the ground. Pot-Ready: Start in a pot or nursery bed for one season before transplanting. Hazelnut Varieties (Seedling-Grown) Geneva Hazelnut – Bare Root High-performing hybrid tree Prolific nut producer Large, slightly oval nuts Harvest in mid to late September Often used as a pollinizer Grows well in Zones 5–8 Female flowers are hardy in Zones 6–8 Het 3 Hazelnut – Bare Root Smaller tree with high yield efficiency Sweet-tasting nuts Higher kernel percentage with medium-sized nuts Earlier nut maturity Well suited to small orchards or backyard gardens Recommended for Zones 6–8 Northern Hazelnut – Bare Root Thrives in cold climates Hybrid including Asian hardy hazelnut genetics Smaller than standard European varieties Typically reaches 10–14 feet tall (3–4 m) Hardy to Zone 3b , and may survive in Zone 3a Slate Hazelnut – Bare Root Cold-hardy selection bred for northern climates Reliable production with strong disease resistance Medium-sized nuts with good flavour Dense, rounded shrub 8–12 feet tall (2.5–3.5 m) Excellent for hedges, food forests, and mixed plantings Hardy in Zone 5 , may survive in Zone 4 with protection Ordering Your Hazelnut Trees From the drop-down menu, select your preferred hazelnut tree seedlings . Add the quantity of trees to your cart and proceed to checkout. You can pay easily using a credit card, PayPal, or e-transfer . Our bare-root plant sale is on now , but supplies are limited each year. Don’t miss out — choose your hazelnut trees today! Important Note About Seedling Trees These hazelnuts are seedling-grown here at our nursery , not cloned or grafted cultivars. Each plant is genetically unique , meaning growth habits, nut size, flavour, and productivity may vary. Seedling hazelnuts are hardy, resilient, and excellent for hedgerows, wildlife plantings, and food forests .
Ships SpringIn StockViburnum trilobum
Sizes Explained A Grade (Pot-Ready): Start in a pot or nursery bed for one season before transplanting. B Grade (Pot-Ready): Smaller then A grade - Start in a pot or nursery bed for one season before transplanting. Hardiness Zone: Perfect for hardiness zones 2 to 7 , the American Highbush Cranberry thrives in a wide range of climates and conditions. Soil Type: Flourishing in well-drained, moist soil, this versatile shrub adapts to various soil types, including loamy or slightly acidic compositions. Fruit Size: Enjoy the abundance of bright red berries that typically measure around 1/4 to 1/2 inches in diameter, adding vibrant color to your landscape. Height and Width: Expect this stunning shrub to grow to heights of 8 to 12 feet with a spread of 10 to 12 feet, creating an impressive presence in your garden. Flowering Time: Admire the clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, transforming into the vibrant berries that last into fall, enhancing visual appeal. Growth Habits: Characterized by a rounded and dense form, the American Highbush Cranberry displays multiple stems with lush green foliage, offering a delightful display throughout the seasons. Ripening Time: Berries ripen from late summer to early fall, becoming deep red in color. The berries can stay on through late winter when birds will flock to a bush for a feast. Additional Requirements: This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote optimal growth.
Ships SpringIn StockAmelanchier alnifolia
The Serviceberry: Canada's Four-Season Tree (Juneberry / Saskatoon) The Serviceberry ( Amelanchier spp. ), also affectionately known as Juneberry or Saskatoon Berry in the West, is arguably the most valuable multi-purpose native tree for the Canadian landscape. Whether you need a small, elegant shade tree, an edible fruit producer for your homestead, or simply a plant that delivers year-round aesthetic brilliance, the Serviceberry is the definitive choice. We offer species and cultivars renowned for their superior flavour and cold hardiness, ensuring success from Nova Scotia to the Prairies. A True Four-Season Ornamental Spring Spectacle: Serviceberry is one of the first trees to bloom in spring, often before the leaves emerge, covering the branches in a cloud of delicate, slightly fragrant white flowers. Summer Harvest: The flowers give way to clusters of small, sweet, purple-blue berries—similar in appearance to blueberries but often with a richer, nutty, almost almond-like flavour. Autumn Fire: The foliage transforms into brilliant shades of orange, red, and golden yellow, rivaling any non-native species for fall colour. Winter Elegance: Once bare, the smooth, ash-grey bark stands out against the snow, often exhibiting beautiful vertical reddish fissures for textural interest. Growing Your Own Saskatoon Superfruit Our Serviceberry trees are selected for their flavour and productivity. The ripe berries are a delight straight off the branch but are also perfect for jams, pies, cobblers, and preserves . Pro Tip: Saskatoon berries are a high-value crop commercially cultivated in Western Canada. To beat the birds (which love them!), consider netting your tree as the fruit begins to ripen in late June/early July, and pick the berries when they are dark purple-blue, not red. Specifications & Planting Success Specification Details Common Names Serviceberry, Juneberry, Saskatoon, Shadbush Scientific Name Amelanchier spp. (Often A. canadensis or the hardy fruiting A. alnifolia .) Canadian Hardiness Zone 2–9 (Varies by species; we focus on Zone 2/3 tolerant stock) Mature Size 4–8m (12–25 ft) tall, depending on if grown as a shrub or single-stem tree. Light Requirements Full Sun to Partial Shade (Full sun yields the best flower and berry production). Soil Tolerance Tolerates most soils, including clay and alkaline. Prefers moist, well-drained loam. Native Status Native to nearly all of Canada, making it an ecological powerhouse. FAQs Q: Are Serviceberry berries truly edible, and what do they taste like? A: Yes, they are completely edible and delicious! They are often described as tasting like a mix between a blueberry, a cherry, and an apple, with a distinct sweet, nutty finish. They are a favourite of many Indigenous communities and commercial fruit growers. Q: Does Serviceberry require a pollinator plant? A: Most Serviceberry species, including the popular A. alnifolia (Saskatoon), are generally self-fertile and can produce fruit from a single tree. Planting multiple specimens, however, can lead to a slightly larger crop. Q: How fast does Serviceberry grow? A: Serviceberry has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) per year. It quickly establishes its multi-season features, often blooming and fruiting within 2-3 years of planting.
Zone-matched plants
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Grown in Nova Scotia
Raised for Canadian winters, shipped across Canada.
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Every tree, shrub, and berry in our nursery is grown in Nova Scotia and selected for real Canadian conditions — short summers, cold winters, and everything in between. Whether you're planting a nut orchard, a berry patch, or restoring habitat with native plants, start with your hardiness zone and plant with confidence.