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Other cultivars/species:
A. x grandiflora ‘Robin Hill’ is generally a more
upright form to 30 feet tall.
A. alnifolia, the Western Serviceberry, is native to
the Pacific Northwest and western mountain areas of
the U.S. It is a deciduous shrub that may grow
anywhere from 4 to 10 feet tall spreading
multi-branched from rhizomes (root-like under ground
stems) which give it a very desirable broad growth
form for wildlife habitat and the establishment of
fence rows. Pearly white buds precede showy white
flowers in compact clusters which appear in most
areas in May. The sweet tasting, blue-black fruit
has a waxy coat and appears in July or August. In
autumn the shrubs become glorious shades of red
and/or yellow. |
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Extra notes
and interesting information:
Plant
these trees against a dark background in order to show
off the flowers and fall color.
Berries can be used in pies and preserves. Birds also
love the berries of A. x grandiflora. |
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References:
Brenzel,
Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001. Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset
Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.
Dirr, Michael A. 1990. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, 4th ed.
Stipes Publishing Company, Champaign, IL.
Pojar, Jim &
MacKinnon, Andy. 1994. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, BC.
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at
a glance:
Common Name:
Serviceberry
Plant type:
Deciduous tree
Family:
Rosaceae
Height/Spread:
Can grow to 25 ft.
tall at a rate of 6-8 ft. in 3 years.
Leaves:
Alternate, simple,
obovate and 1-3 in. long. The blue-green foliage turns red in fall.
Flowers:
Impressive clusters
of white or pinkish flowers which grow 2-4 in. long.
Fruit:
Berries
develop in summer, following the spring bloom, and are similar to
blueberries yet with a mildly musty flavor.
Bloom Period:
Early spring,
just before or during leaf-out.
Disease/pests: :
Subject to many of the same diseases of trees, such as apples,
cherries and others in the Rosaceae family, although not typically a
problem in the Northwest.
Conditions:
Prefers moist, well
drained and acidic soil. Will tolerate full sun or partial shade.
Commonly found along borders of woodlands in natural habitat.
Natural Range:
Garden cultivar.
Hardiness:
Zones (Sunset) 1-6,
USDA 4-9
Location:
Groundcover garden |
Complete
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