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Amelanchier lamarckii

snowy mespilus

A large erect deciduous shrub or small tree of open habit, with bronze-tinged young leaves turning orange and red in autumn. White flowers appear in short, lax racemes as the leaves unfurl followed by edible red to dark purple-black berries

Other common names
juneberry
Synonyms
Amelanchier canadensis K. Koch
Amelanchier canadensis var. botryapium
see moreAmelanchier confusa Schmeil & Fitschen non Hylander.
Amelanchier botryapium DC. non (L. f.) Borkh.
Amelanchier laevis f. villosa
Amelanchier laevis

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Bronze
Summer Green Purple Red
Autumn Orange Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
NE USA

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus

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