Amelanchier arborea aka Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea, or downy serviceberry, belongs to the rose family. This leaf-shedding tree grows in eastern and central North America. Its range runs from New Brunswick south to Florida. It extends west to Minnesota and Texas. Wild plants grow in woods, rocky slopes, and riverbanks. Gardens often hold trees 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 25 feet [7.6 metres]. Some sources report heights near 40 feet [12.2 metres].

It forms a small tree or a large shrub. Several stems support a rounded, upright, or vase-shaped crown. Root suckers make the plant more shrub-like unless removed. Young bark is smooth and gray. Older trunks develop long cracks and deep grooves. Thin twigs range from reddish brown to gray. The simple, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Their edges have fine teeth, and their tips taper. Young leaves have bronze tones and soft hairs beneath. Summer leaves turn green, then yellow, orange, or red in fall.

White flowers hang in racemes during March and April. They have five petals and a light scent. They open before the leaves or as leaves unfold. Bees and other insects visit for nectar and pollen. Small, round pomes change from green through red to purple-black. Several sources place ripe fruit in early summer. Birds and mammals eat them, which can limit harvests. People eat the fruit fresh or cook it. Uses include pies, jams, and jellies. Fruit quality varies from dry to sweet and juicy. PFAF lists no known hazards; RHS also describes edible berries.

Grow it in sun or part shade with moist soil. Good drainage matters, though it tolerates brief wet or dry spells. It grows in sand, loam, and clay. Acid to neutral soil suits it. Full sun helps bring out stronger fall color. Drought can cause leaf loss, so water during dry spells. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–9 and UK H7. Growth ranges from slow to moderate, depending on the source.

Use it in borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen. Flowers, fruit, and fall leaves provide interest across several seasons. It feeds wildlife and hosts some butterfly larvae. Its roots can help hold soil on banks. The hard wood has served for tool handles. Serious problems are uncommon, but rust and fire blight occur. Leaf spots, mildew, and leaf scorch can also affect it. Pests include aphids, scale, mites, borers, sawflies, and leaf miners. Suckers may need control, and transplanted plants can root slowly.