Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Amelanchier laevis
Plant Common Name
Allegheny Serviceberry
General Description
This exceptional small tree is admired for its beautiful spring flowers, edible summer berries and glorious fall color. Allegheny serviceberry is a North American native that is naturally distributed from the Canadian province of Newfoundland southward to the states of Georgia and Alabama, so hardiness depends a lot on regional germplasm. This multi-stemmed deciduous small tree to large shrub usually inhabits moist open woods and meadows and tends to sucker and spread over time.
Bronzy new leaves awaken in spring alongside its delicate white spring flowers. The simple oval leaves quickly turn medium green and in fall burst into glorious shades of red, yellow and orange. The showy flowers are white, five-petaled and held in pendent clusters. They are pollinated by bees and followed by small, round, berries that turn from rosy red to blue-black by summer. The fruit is edible to people and wildlife alike. In winter, its smooth gray bark adds stark winter interest.
Allegheny serviceberry grows best in full to partial sun and fertile, organic-rich soil. It is not too pH sensitive but does tend to favor slightly acid soil. It has a naturally attractive vase-shaped habit and should only be pruned lightly and selectively as needed. It tends to sucker and suckers should be removed from plants placed in more formal settings.
This is an ideal small tree for smaller landscapes and woodland gardens. It is also suitable for large foundation plantings. Its smooth bark and white flowers are best viewed against a background of evergreens. The popular cultivar 'Cumulus' has a more narrow, upright form.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Width
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Rose, Dark Blue, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple, Light Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Green, Orange
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Edible, Feature Plant, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Mixed Border, Shade Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
