About
Amelanchier arborea is a medium to large deciduous tree characterized by its upright growth habit and smooth, grey bark. This species often produces suckers at its base. In early spring, the new leaves appear bronze and have a soft, downy texture on their undersides. The leaves are oval-shaped, measuring about 4 to 8 cm in length, featuring pointed tips and serrated edges. As summer progresses, the foliage turns a rich dark green, transitioning to shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. During spring, clusters of five-petaled white flowers that are self-fertile and droop slightly on their stems bloom alongside the unfolding leaves. The tree produces edible fruits that start as red-purple and eventually ripen to a deep blue-black, attracting various wildlife.
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
- Columnar upright, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- E North 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. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1.
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or remove suckers in winter.
- 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.