Amelanchier arborea
common serviceberry
Overview
Amelanchier arborea, common or downy serviceberry, is a deciduous large shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 m) tall on one or several trunks with smooth grey bark streaked with darker lines. In early spring, before or as the leaves unfold, it bears drooping clusters of white, five-petalled, star-shaped flowers with narrow petals. The young leaves emerge folded and softly downy, maturing to oval, finely toothed, medium green blades that turn shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. Small round pomes follow the flowers, ripening from red to purple-black in June; they are sweet and edible, used fresh and in pies, and are quickly taken by birds. The tree grows in woodland edges, slopes, and clearings on well-drained soils and tolerates a range of sites. Its flowering is brief, lasting only a week or two, and the foliage is prone to rust, leaf spot, and other rose-family diseases in humid summers. Birds usually strip the fruit before it can be gathered.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Maine and Ontario south to the Gulf states and west to the eastern Great Plains. It grows in upland woods, forest edges, and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, in woodland gardens, shrub borders, and naturalized edges for its spring flowers, edible fruit, and autumn colour. It supports pollinators and fruit-eating birds. It works as a small tree near patios or in groupings where size allows.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Bloom Information
White flowers open in early spring, roughly March to April, often before the leaves fully expand and ahead of most flowering trees. The bloom lasts about one to two weeks. Fruit ripens in June, giving the plant its juneberry name.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
medium green, orange-red in autumnGrowing 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