About

Amelanchier stolonifera is a deciduous shrub that spreads through suckering, creating a thick growth of upright stems that can reach heights of approximately 2 meters. The leaves are oval-shaped with finely serrated edges; they start off covered in white hairs before transitioning to green and eventually displaying autumn hues of yellow, orange, and red. In spring, the plant produces small clusters of white flowers, which are followed by the development of edible blue-black berries.

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

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens
Native to
E North America
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
Thrives in moist, well-drained, preferably neutral or acidic soil; will grow in sun or partial shade but autumn colour will be brightest in full sun
Pruning
Remove suckers as necessary to control spread
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by semi-hardwood cuttings or by removing offsets
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight