About

Amelanchier alnifolia is a medium to large, upright shrub or small tree with a bushy growth form, known for its ability to spread and create small colonies through suckering. The young foliage has a bronze hue and features oval or rounded leaves that transition to shades of orange and red in the fall. In spring, as the leaves begin to open, clusters of white flowers, measuring approximately 2-3 cm across and consisting of five petals, emerge. The plant produces edible berries that range in color from red-purple to blue-purple, roughly 10 mm in diameter, resembling blueberries and often attracting birds and squirrels.

About the genus

Amelanchier comprises small deciduous trees or shrubs that produce prominent white blossoms in early spring. These plants bear red to purple fruits and often exhibit appealing foliage in autumn.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible

Habit

Suckering, Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

4-8 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens

Native to

NW N America

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun. Fruits are enjoyed by birds.

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.