About
Amelanchier alnifolia 'Northline' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically exhibits a medium to large stature and features a suckering growth habit. This cultivar of the alder-leaved Amelanchier is particularly valued for its abundant fruit production. The young foliage emerges with a hint of bronze and takes on an oval or circular form, transitioning to a rich mid to dark green during the summer months. In the fall, the leaves display a vibrant mix of orange-red and pink-purple hues. In spring, as the leaves begin to unfold, the plant produces self-fertile white flowers, each measuring approximately 2-3 cm across, with five petals. Once mature, the fruit develops into small blue-purple-black berries, roughly 10 mm in diameter, resembling large blueberries. These berries are popular among birds and squirrels and can also be harvested for making jams and pies.
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
- Moist but well-drained, 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
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
- 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 well-drained, acid to neutral soil and ideally in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but autumn colour is best in sun.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1.
- Propagation
- Propagate by 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.