Amelanchier stolonifera
running serviceberry
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
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Red Orange Yellow | Blue Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.