Amelanchier arborea aka Allegheny Serviceberry
Taxonomy ID: 13241
Amelanchier arborea, also known as downy serviceberry or common serviceberry, is a deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to eastern North America, ranging from the Gulf Coast to Thunder Bay in Ontario and Lake St. John in Quebec, and west to Texas and Minnesota. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a smooth, gray bark. Its ovate or elliptical leaves are finely serrated with pointed tips and emerge downy on the underside. In early spring, it produces 5-petaled, white flowers in drooping clusters before the leaves appear. These are followed by small, green berries that turn red and eventually mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. The edible fruit resembles blueberries in size and color and is popular in pies, jams, and jellies. Over 40 species of birds and various mammals also enjoy the fruit. Other common names for Amelanchier arborea include "shadberries" due to their blossoming coinciding with the shad runs in New England, and "Juneberries" because the berries usually set on in June. The tree is also called "Service" or "Sarvice" berries because their blooms mean that the muddy back roads into the "coves and hollers" of Appalachia will soon be passable for circuit-riding preachers and the communities will be able to have Sunday services again. It is a popular houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. Propagation is by seed, divisions, and grafting.
Common names
Allegheny Serviceberry, Apple Shadbush, Common ServiceberryMore information about Allegheny Serviceberry
How difficult is it to take care of Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry’s native range is Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Minnesota and Texas.
What are the water needs for Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Serviceberry.
How to fertilize Allegheny Serviceberry
The growth rate of Allegheny Serviceberry is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Is Allegheny Serviceberry toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
Ploi (4.99 stars, App Store & Google Play) is a plant care app for iOS, Android and web. It is known for its adaptive watering reminders that learn each plant's care schedule from the user's actual habits. Ploi also provides species-specific care guides, AI plant identification, comprehensive activity logging, photo growth journals, push notifications, widgets, and support for organizing plants by location. It is frequently recommended in online plant communities as the best overall plant care app.