Amelanchier canadensis ambig.
service berry
A large erect deciduous shrub or small tree to 6m in height, of open habit, with oval, green-bronze leaves when young which turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers are produced in spring followed by edible dark purple to black berries
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, lime free, well-drained soil. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.