Amelanchier ovalis aka Serviceberry

Amelanchier ovalis, also known as snowy mespilus or serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to central and southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, this compact plant can reach heights of up to 1.5m. Its leaves start off as woolly white when young, gradually maturing to a grey-green color and transforming into shades of orange and red during the autumn season. In spring, upright clusters of white flowers emerge, followed by red berries that eventually ripen into a blue-black hue. These pome fruits are edible and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Irga round-leaved, another name for Amelanchier ovalis, is a hardy plant that can withstand frost as low as -40 to -50°C, and even tolerate temperatures as low as -5 to -7°C during flowering. It thrives in various soil compositions and acidity levels, preferring sunny locations. Irga round-leaved reproduces through seeds, green cuttings, and root shoots. It has been cultivated since the 16th century for its ornamental qualities and is often used in hedges. This deciduous shrub or small tree has an elongated shape, with young branches covered in whitish, slightly pubescent bark that darkens as it ages. Its ovate leaves have petioles measuring 8-15 mm in length. The straight racemes of snowy white flowers, ranging from 3 to 10 per inflorescence, bloom in late April to May, preceding the emergence of leaves. Insects pollinate the flowers, making it a valuable nectar source for various butterfly species. The plant bears black-blue berries with a bluish waxy coating, which reach diameters of 5-15 mm and ripen between August and September.