Amelanchier x grandiflora, commonly known as the Apple Serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is a hybrid between two species of Amelanchier: A. arborea and A. laevis.
Typically, the Apple Serviceberry grows up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has an upright habit with a rounded crown, and its smooth gray bark becomes fissured with age.
The leaves are oval with serrated edges and measure about 2-4 inches long. They emerge bronze in spring, turn green in summer, and transition to yellow-orange in the fall.
In early spring, the plant produces clusters of showy white flowers that resemble apple blossoms, which is why it is commonly called "Apple Serviceberry." These flowers give way to small red berries that ripen into edible blue-black fruits by mid-summer.
Amelanchier x grandiflora thrives in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate various soil types, including clay soils, as long as they are well-drained.
This plant is an excellent choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and colorful fruits, which attract birds such as robins and cedar waxwings during the summer. Additionally, it provides beautiful fall foliage before shedding its leaves in winter, making it an all-season interest shrub or tree for gardens and landscapes alike.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Amelanchier
- Family
- Rosaceae
