Amelanchier stolonifera

RHS Plant Profile
running serviceberry
running serviceberry visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Amelanchier spicata misapplied

Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A deciduous suckering shrub, forming a dense thicket of upright stems to around 2m high. Leaves are oval and finely toothed, and covered with white hairs when young, maturing to green and then turning yellow, orange and red in autumn. Small, dense clusters of white flowers are produced in spring, followed later by edible blue-black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–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

Thrives in moist, well-drained, preferably neutral or acidic soil; will grow in sun or partial shade but autumn colour will be brightest in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by semi-hardwood cuttings or by removing offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Remove suckers as necessary to control spread

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight