Amelanchier laevis

Allegheny Serviceberry

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Allegheny Serviceberry is a small, deciduous, usually multi-trunked understory tree or tall shrub. It is found in open woods, on sheltered slopes and along wood margins. White flowers are showy, five-petaled and slightly fragrant. They appear in drooping clusters in early spring before the leaves. Flowers give way to small, round, edible berries which ripen to dark purplish-black in June. The berries give the tree one of its common names, Juneberry, and resemble blueberries in size, color and taste. Berries are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Finely-toothed, obovate leaves emerge with a bronzish-purple tinge in spring, mature to lustrous dark green in summer and turn red-orange in fall. This tree is primarily distinguished from the very similar Missouri native downy serviceberry (A. arborea - see H290) by its hairless (laevis means smooth) foliage, purplish-tinged new growth and tastier (sweeter and juicier) berries.

Additional Information:

Height 15-40 Feet

Spread 15-40 Feet

Bloom/Seasonal Color White

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Characteristics & Attributes