Serviceberry

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Downy Serviceberry is an upright, twiggy, multi-stemmed large shrub, eventually reaching 20 to 25 feet in height with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. This North American native is usually the first to be noticed in the forest or garden at springtime, the pure white, glistening flowers some of the earliest to appear among the many other dull brown, leafless, and still-slumbering trees.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The Allegheny serviceberry grows in shade or partial shade as an understory tree. The small tree grows 30 to 40 feet tall and spreads 15 to 20 feet. Multiple stems are upright and highly branched forming a dense shrub, or if properly pruned a small tree. The tree is short-lived, has a rapid growth rate, and can be used as a filler plant or to attract birds. The main ornamental feature is the white flowers, borne in drooping clusters in mid-spring. The purplish-black berries are sweet and juicy but are soon eaten by birds. The fall color is yellow to red. It is well adapted for planting beneath power lines due to its small size.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Apple serviceberry is a hybrid between Amelanchier canadensis and Amelanchier laevis that grows 15 to 25 feet tall. Multiple stems are upright and highly branched forming a dense shrub, or if properly pruned in the nursery, a small tree. It is superior to either species in that it suckers less and is adapted to a wide range of soils, and tolerates some drought. The main ornamental feature is the white flowers that are larger than those of other amelanchiers. The flowers are borne in early spring and are at first tinged with pink but later fade to white. The young leaves are purplish and the fall color is yellow to orange. Edible fruit attracts birds. Well adapted for planting beneath power lines due to its small size.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.