Amelanchier laevis
smooth serviceberry
A deciduous small tree, up to around 8m high, with a spreading habit, and oval leaves that are tinted pink and bronze when young, and turn orange and red in autumn. Pendent clusters of fragrant white flowers are produced in spring as the leaves unfurl, followed later by edible blue-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Bronze Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Orange Yellow | Blue Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
- Genus
Amelanchier are small deciduous trees or shrubs with showy white flowers in early spring, red to purple fruits and often good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, well-drained, lime-free soil; will grow in sun or partial shade but autumn colours are stronger in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight
Get involved
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