Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik.

RHS Plant Profile
serviceberry

Other common names

grape pear, juneberry, shadblow, shadbush

Synonyms

Amelanchier intermedia
Amelanchier oblongifolia
Amelanchier botryapium

Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A dense, erect, suckering shrub producing upright sprays of small, white, star-shaped flowers in late spring, followed by edible blue-black berries. The foliage is an attractive mid-green and may turn yellow, orange or red in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Potentially harmful
The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
Genus
Amelanchier are small deciduous trees or shrubs with showy white flowers in early spring, red to purple fruits and often good autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, lime free, well-drained soil. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings or remove suckers in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus