About

Amelanchier lamarckii is a sizable, upright deciduous shrub or small tree characterized by an open growth form. Its young foliage exhibits a bronze tint, transitioning to vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall. As the leaves begin to emerge, clusters of white flowers develop in loose racemes, which are succeeded by edible berries that range in color from red to dark purple-black.

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
North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native to
NE USA
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 seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus