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
juneberrySynonyms
Amelanchier canadensis K. KochAmelanchier canadensis var. botryapium
see moreAmelanchier confusa Schmeil & Fitschen non Hylander.
Amelanchier botryapium DC. non (L. f.) Borkh.
Amelanchier laevis f. villosa
Amelanchier laevis
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H7Botanical 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus
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.