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Amelanchier laevis

Allegheny Serviceberry

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Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Serviceberry)

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

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Spread
15-40 Feet

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
White


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACU

Nature Attracting

Songbird

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)
Early (Feb-Apr)

Soil Moisture

Moderate
Average

Special Features

Good Berries

Special Uses

Fragrant

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds
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