Amelanchier lamarckii aka Juneberry

Taxonomy

Amelanchier × lamarckii, commonly known as juneberry, serviceberry, or shadbush, is a large deciduous flowering shrub or small tree in the family Rosaceae. It is a bushy, small upright tree with a spreading habit and stunning young coppery-red leaves. The vibrant leaf colors beautifully contrast with the five-petaled pure white flowers, making it a spectacular sight in full bloom during spring. This hardy and easy-to-grow tree thrives in most soils, but does not do well in shallow chalky soils. It blooms in April and boasts excellent autumn foliage. When fully mature, it reaches a height of approximately 3 meters. Amelanchier lamarckii, also known as juneberry, serviceberry, or shadbush, is a large deciduous flowering shrub or small tree in the family Rosaceae. It has become naturalized in Europe, where it is called snowy mespilus or snowy mespil. The origin of Amelanchier lamarckii is uncertain, as it is believed by some experts to be a naturally occurring hybrid that reproduces true from seed and is designated as A. x lamarckii. Growing up to 15-25 feet tall, this serviceberry is similar in appearance to A. laevis, but its young stems and leaves are sericeous (silky-haired). It produces showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters before the leaves emerge in early spring (April). These flowers give way to small, round, edible berries that ripen to a dark purplish-black color in June, resembling blueberries in size, color, and taste. The berries are often used in jams, jellies, and pies.

Common names

Juneberry, Lamarck's Serviceberry, Snowy Mespilus, Serviceberry

How to care for Juneberry

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Juneberry is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Lighting

Juneberry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Serviceberry will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Juneberry’s native range is N. America. Naturalized in Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia