How to identify Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Photo By Ryan Hodnett , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Allegheny serviceberry, also known as Smooth shadbush, Juneberry, Smooth Serviceberry, Coastal Plain Serviceberry, Allegheny shadbery

Allegheny serviceberry is distinguishable by its stature, typically reaching heights of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) and, less commonly, up to 40 feet (12 meters) in its natural setting. This species exhibits a flexible growth habit, manifesting either as a multi-trunked tree or a dense shrub. Its flowering phase is marked by an abundance of showy, white, 5-petaled blossoms arranged on noteworthy racemes approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length. Following the floral display, allegheny serviceberry produces clusters of edible purple berries that reach maturity by June.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Allegheny serviceberry

Flexible growth habit as a multi-trunked tree or dense shrub.

Distinctive white 5-petaled blossoms on racemes 4 inches (10 cm) long.

Edible purple berries measuring 0.3-0.5 inches (8-13 mm) in diameter.

Oval leaves with serrated margins, glossy green, turning yellow to red in fall.

Slender reddish-brown stem with fine hair, branching frequently and growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters).

Detailed Traits of Allegheny serviceberry

Leaf Features

The leaves of allegheny serviceberry are oval, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide. They have serrated margins and abruptly pointed tips with a rounded base. New leaves emerge bronze-purple, turning glossy green in summer, and display clear yellow to red hues in the fall. The leaves have minimal hairs on their stalks and surfaces, distinguishing them from other varieties.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Allegheny serviceberry exhibits small, white flowers blooming from March to April on racemes that measure about 4 inches (10 cm) long. The blossoms typically appear before the leaves, except in the northernmost regions. Each flower consists of five petals and is arranged in a loose, elongated cluster. The flowers have a delicate, airy appearance and lack a prominent fragrance, providing a visually stunning early spring display that is characteristic of allegheny serviceberry.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of allegheny serviceberry is slender and flexible, measuring approximately 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) in diameter. It exhibits a reddish-brown hue with fine hair, giving it a distinctly textured appearance. New growth is green, transitioning to the mature reddish-brown color. The stems branch frequently, creating a dense structure. Buds are long and pointed, with reddish-yellow to reddish-green margins and some hair, adding to the stem's unique identification features.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of allegheny serviceberry is a sweet, berry-like pome measuring about 0.3 to 0.5 inches (8-13 mm) in diameter. Upon ripening, the fruits transition from a reddish-purple hue to a deep, dark purple, akin to blueberries. They possess a smooth, slightly glossy skin texture and house small seeds inside. Typically maturing from May through June, these juicy fruits are a favorite among local bird species. Their succulent flesh is commonly harvested for use in culinary applications, such as making jams, jellies, and baking recipes.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Allegheny serviceberry and Their Similar Plants

Common serviceberry vs. Allegheny serviceberry: What's The Difference?

Common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is a small, deciduous tree that grows to heights of 4.5 to 9 m. Beautiful clusters of showy white blossoms appear in early spring, fruits ripen in summer and leaves change color in fall. It attracts butterflies, bees, and birds. Grows well in full sun or partial shade

Western serviceberry vs. Allegheny serviceberry: What's The Difference?

A large shrub with edible berries, the western serviceberry is both beautiful and delicious. Pretty white flowers appear first, followed by green leaves which turn to yellowish red in the fall. Berries appear in late summer and turn a deep blue shade when ripe.

Canadian serviceberry vs. Allegheny serviceberry: What's The Difference?

Canadian serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is a small, deciduous shrub that grows native in eastern North America and is cultivated throughout the continent. It primarily gets used as an ornamental plant. Some artists have also used canadian serviceberry as a bonsai plant.

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Key Facts About Allegheny serviceberry

Attributes of Allegheny serviceberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

4.5 m to 8 m

Spread

4.5 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Orange

Purple

Bronze

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Allegheny serviceberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Shadbushes

Species

Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

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Distribution Map of Allegheny serviceberry

Allegheny serviceberry, while native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America, has extended its range being introduced to Northern Europe. The plant is cultivated in various regions extending beyond its original habitat, adapting to a diverse array of temperate climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Allegheny serviceberry

A Comprehensive Guide to Allegheny serviceberry How to Grow and Care for Allegheny serviceberry