Amelanchier spp.
serviceberries
Overview
Amelanchier spp. is a genus of about 20 species of deciduous shrubs and small trees in the rose family, Rosaceae, native mostly to North America with a few species in Europe and East Asia. Plants grow as multi-stemmed shrubs or single-trunked small trees 2–9 m (6–30 ft) tall, often suckering to form colonies. In early spring, before or as the leaves unfold, the branches carry drooping clusters of white, five-petaled flowers, each 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) across. The young leaves are often tinged bronze or purple and mature to soft green, turning orange to red in autumn. The bark is smooth and gray, sometimes striped on young stems. Flowers give way to small, round pomes 6–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) across that ripen from red to dark purple-blue in early summer, sweet and edible, and quickly taken by birds. The flowers are short-lived, lasting only about a week, and late frosts can damage the early bloom. Many species are prone to rust and other rose-family diseases in damp climates.
Native Range
The genus is centered in North America, where species occur from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, with a small number of species native to Europe and eastern Asia.Suggested Uses
Used as specimen trees, shrub borders, woodland-edge plantings, and hedgerows, of interest through the seasons for spring flowers, summer fruit, and autumn color. The fruit is eaten fresh or cooked and draws many birds. The brief flowering and susceptibility to rose-family diseases temper its use in some climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 20'
Bloom Information
Flowering is brief and early, broadly April to May, with the white blossoms appearing before or with the unfolding leaves. The display lasts about a week and is vulnerable to late frosts. Fruit ripens by early to midsummer, often before that of most other fruiting plants.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most species grow in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. They tolerate a range of soils but fruit and color most strongly in sun. Hardiness spans USDA zones 2–9 across the genus, covering cold northern climates. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant once their roots are deep. Rust, fireblight, and leaf spot can affect plants in humid regions, as with other members of the rose family. Suckering species spread into thickets unless the suckers are removed.Pruning
Tree forms are pruned in late winter to a single or few main stems by removing suckers and crossing branches. Shrub forms need little pruning beyond thinning the oldest stems at the base. Removing suckers as they appear keeps single-trunk trees from reverting to a thicket.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter