Amelanchier laevis aka Smooth Shadbush

Amelanchier laevis, also known as the smooth shadbush, smooth serviceberry, or Allegheny serviceberry, is a North American tree in the rose family Rosaceae. It can grow up to 9 meters tall and is native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. This species is characterized by its oblong, hairless leaves that emerge as coppery pink, turn mid-green in summer, and transform into yellow with a red flush in autumn. In spring, it produces hanging clusters of large, fragrant, starry-white flowers that are followed by sweet, blue-black fruits in summer. Amelanchier laevis is a versatile tree that thrives in average, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. It can be grown in full sun to part shade and is relatively resistant to insect and disease problems, although rust, leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, and canker may occasionally occur. This tree is an attractive addition to lawns, shrub borders, woodland margins, or native plant areas. The shrub forms can also be used as informal hedges or screens. Additionally, Amelanchier laevis is a favorite among birds due to its berries. In its natural habitat, Amelanchier laevis is found in thickets, open woods, sheltered slopes, and wood margins in Eastern North America. It typically grows as a small, deciduous, multi-trunked understory tree or tall shrub, reaching heights of 15-25 feet. The tree blooms in early spring with showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers that hang in drooping clusters. These flowers give way to small, round, edible berries, which ripen to a dark purplish-black color in June. The berries are similar in size, color, and taste to blueberries and are often used in jams, jellies, and pies. The leaves of Amelanchier laevis are obovate with finely-toothed edges. They emerge with a bronzish-purple tinge in spring, mature to a lustrous dark green in summer, and turn red-orange in the fall. Amelanchier laevis is distinguished from the closely related downy serviceberry (A. arborea) by its smooth foliage, purplish-tinged new growth, and sweeter and juicier berries. The genus name, Amelanchier, is derived from a French provincial name for Amelanchier ovalis, a European plant in the same genus. The specific epithet, laevis, refers to the smooth or hairless nature of the foliage.