Serviceberry 18" - 24"
Amelanchier lamarckii
18-24 inch height at sale, bare root
Native to Vermont
Sourced from NY
Aka: Juneberry, Shadblow
10-20 ft tall. Blooms April. Fall color.
Description
Pedigree: A. canadensis x A. laevis - natural hybrid
The flowers of Serviceberry appear before leaf emergence in spring. Supposedly a wild-type cross between Canadian Serviceberry and Allegheny Serviceberry, as it has bronze-hued leaves of the Allegheny species as well as characteristics of the Canadian variety. Serviceberries are also known as juneberries, as the plant produces berries in June before typical cultivated berries are ready such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. The fruits are used in pies, jams and more. Another common name for Serviceberry is Shadbush, as the plants bloom when shad are known to move up rivers.
This native shrub can reach up to 20 ft and is cold hardy. Color in autumn is variable but foliage can range from orange to red. Bark is light gray and smooth. In the wild, it is found as an understory shrub. The plant can tolerate shade as well as sun. Prune to your liking for desired shape, whether it is a contained tree form or an open, flowing and organic shape. This plant is relatively slow growing and won't get out of hand. However, if you would like the berries to grow closer to the ground, consider pruning it back every few years in late winter.
Resources
Species Details from the US National Plant Germplasm System, USDA Agricultural Research Service