Amelanchier ovalis Medik.
snowy mespilus
An upright, medium to large-sized shrub or small tree to 6m tall with ovate leaves, 2.5-4cm long, green above and covered with a white down beneath when young. White flowers to 3.5cm in diameter are borne in small, erect clusters in spring and followed by edible spherical red fruits that turn black and are covered with a purple bloom
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a moist, acidic or neutral, well-drained soil but will tolerate a lime soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus
Get involved
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