Amelanchier laevis
Allegheny Serviceberry
DESCRIPTION
Allegheny ServiceberryAmelanchier laevis
Allegheny Serviceberry is a native tree for all seasons. In April and May it has beautiful white flowers that are delicately scented and provide nectar for the season's early bees and butterflies. In mid-summer its fruits ripen to brilliant violet-pink, aging to deep blue purple when fully ripe. Its leaves play occasional host to the larvae of viceroy, striped hairstreak, and Canadian tiger swallowtail butterflies. And the grand finale comes in fall with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds as the leaves prepare to drop. Amelanchier laevis is found in moist woods and meadows but tolerates most any garden situation. It will bloom more in full sun, but have a more open and graceful habit in shade. It is drought tolerant once established but will grow taller and faster in consistently moist soils. Amelanchier can be grown as a small tree pruned to become a densely branched shrub.
BENEFITS
- Fragrant spring flowers
- Easy to grow and widely adaptable
- Edible berries in summer
- Gorgeous fall color
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Allegheny Serviceberry is found in open woods and moist meadows throughout eastern North America. Distribution Map
Interesting Facts
The sweet, juicy fruits are edible and rich in iron and copper. Native peoples dried the small pomes like raisins or mashed and dried them in cakes. Trees of Ontario by Linda Kershaw
GROWING TIPS
Plant Allegheny Serviceberry in average or moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Adapts to dry conditions but performs best in moist, well-drained soil.