Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry)
Michael's Opinion
A class, small tree or large shrub that is often planted in poor locations and is butchered in the large urban landscapes around shopping malls and such, not rendering its superb reputation as a native landscape plant any benefit. An excellent edge species to humanise the scale of large landscapes. I personally prefer the multi stemmed plants.
Botanical Information
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Amelanchier |
| Species | canadensis |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| References | Widely available. |
| Origin | Canada and the United States south to Northern Mexico. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 4 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -35 - (-29) |
| Temperature (°F) | -30 - (-20) |
| Height | 5 m |
| Spread | 2 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A small tree or large shrub often multi stemmed. Covered in white flowers in May, followed by small edible fruit in August. Excellent orange to amber autumn colour. |
| ID Characteristic | A mass of white flowers, giving the plant the appearance of a cloud as it blooms on the edge of the woods in May. Smooth grey, slighly striped bark. |
| Shape | Often somewhat narrow in form but can produce a medium size tree where conditions permit. |
| Landscape | A foil or mass planting tree or shrub. Or as a small grouped planting where the best effect is achieved. Excellent for attracting wildlife and for autumn and winter interest. |
| Propagation | Stratify seeds at 5C for 120 days. Also by cuttings but with some challenges. |
| Cultivation | A plant that is easy to cultivate if given good soil and adequate moisture during summer droughts. |
| Pests | The fruit if often affected by a blight, improved air circulation around the plant can help. |
| Notable Specimens | The Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy. The University of Guelph Arboretum. Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario. |
| Habitat | Edges of climax woods in Southern Ontario. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Smmoth, light grey often with a faint striping effect. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds to 3mm, slender and conical and frequently pubescent. |
| Leaf Description | Obovate, 3-4cm long. Pale green with a lighter underside. |
| Flower Description | To about 5mm across, white, five petaled. |
| Fruit Description | Small, 5mm fruit, dark blue to black, resembling a small blueberry. Edible by both humans and wildlife. |
| Colour Description | Excellent autumn colour, reds, ambers and orangey yellows. Consistent through the plant. |
| Texture Description | A light textured plant. |
Photographs
A mature plant in autumn cloak at the Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario.
The leaf in autumn.
