Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Allegheny serviceberry

Also known as: Smooth shadbush, Juneberry, Smooth Serviceberry, Coastal Plain Serviceberry, Allegheny shadbery

Allegheny serviceberry makes an interesting feature all year thanks to its spring-borne white flowers, summer berries, bright autumnal color, and striped bark in winter. Allegheny serviceberry's blueberry look-and-taste-alike fruits are appreciated by many species of birds.

Scientific classification

Species

Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

4.5 m to 8 m

Plant Height

4.5 m to 6 m

Spread

Green, Red, Purple, Brown

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Allegheny serviceberry

Attributes of Allegheny serviceberry

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, allegheny serviceberry primarily develops during spring and summer, gaining considerable height and foliage. Spring's mild conditions stimulate budding and flowering, followed by dense leaf production in summer. Growth pace fluctuations may occur, reflecting seasonal influences on allegheny serviceberry's development.

Distribution of Allegheny serviceberry

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cool, rich woods, moist to drier thickets, swamp margins and clearings

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Allegheny serviceberry, including the following common varieties :

Allegheny serviceberry 'Snowflakes'Serviceberries 'La Paloma'Serviceberries 'Balllerina'

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).

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Care Guide for Allegheny serviceberry

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Allegheny serviceberry prefers temperate forest habitats and requires consistent moisture, tolerating moderate drought after establishment. Water every two weeks to match its natural cycle. Outdoor cultivation benefits from mulching to retain moisture, especially during its active growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilize allegheny serviceberry annually in early spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at 1/2 pound per inch of trunk diameter. Reduce feeding frequency as allegheny serviceberry matures and avoid fertilization in autumn. Water thoroughly to prevent root burn and fertilize young allegheny serviceberry lightly.

Pruning: Allegheny serviceberry features attractive white flowers and purple to black edible berries. Prune in early spring by removing dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation and shape. Annual thinning enhances flowering and berry production, promoting healthier growth and a more aesthetically pleasing plant.

Propagation: Allegheny serviceberry is an ornamental, fruit-bearing deciduous shrub valued for wildlife. Propagation through seed sowing requires stratification to break dormancy. Seeds need moist conditions in a cold environment before sowing in well-draining soil, with consistent irrigation to support early root establishment.

Repotting: Allegheny serviceberry requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive properly.

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