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Amelanchier alnifolia

alder-leaved serviceberry

A medium to large, bushy, deciduous and upright shrub or small tree of open habit, that can sucker and form small colonies. Bronze-tinged young leaves that are oval or circular in shape turn orange and red in autumn. Five-petalled, white flowers about 2-3cm across, appear in spring as the leaves unfurl and expand. The edible fruits are small, red-purple to blue-purple berries about 10mm in diameter, closely resemble a blueberry, and are often eaten by birds and squirrels

Other common names
alder-leaved serviceberry
Synonyms
Aronia alnifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Bronze
Summer Green Green Red Purple
Autumn Red Orange Yellow Purple Red Blue
Winter Purple Black Blue
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering, Columnar upright
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
NW N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun. Fruits are enjoyed by birds.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.

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