Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry)

Domesticated for fruit production, Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) is a deciduous, upright, suckering shrub with four seasons of interest. In mid-spring, compact clusters of fragrant, white flowers emerge just before the leaves. They attract pollinators and are followed by small, sweet blue berries in early summer. They make great jellies or jams and are appreciated by birds and humans. The foliage of small, light-green, sharply and coarsely toothed, oval leaves turns to brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall. The plant remains attractive even after the leaves drop, thanks to its elegant growth habit and its light gray bark adorned with charcoal-gray striations. Serviceberry is attractive as an ornamental shrub or may be trimmed as a pretty hedge.

• Grows slowly up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (300-450 cm)
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun. Tolerant to harsh, dry, or alkaline conditions once established. Drought tolerant.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free, but watch for occasional rust, leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, and canker.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders. Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges, screens, or foundation plantings. When planted fairly close together, it makes an excellent windbreak, so the branches can intertwine to form a living fence. It can be used for erosion control.
• Can be started from seed or vegetative cuttings.
• Native to western Canada and mountainous parts of the western U.S.