Untitled Document

Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

Introduction: Allegheny serviceberry is a multistemmed small tree reaching up to 25 feet tall. It produces large white flowers in spring and bluish green fruit.

Culture: Allegheny serviceberry grows best in partial shade; it will show signs of stress if grown in full sun in dry areas. This tree prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline to acidic loam or sand. Disease and insect problems include fire blight, spider mites and borers, which infest trees under stress from drought. Heavy nitrogen fertilization exacerbates the fire blight problem. Allegheny serviceberry is hardy in Zones 4 to 8, possibly 9.

Cultivars: A. laevis ‘Cumulus' - Usually grows from a single stem and has a moderately columnar growth habit. It is offered more commonly than the species.

Botanical Information

Native habitat: Eastern North America. Growth habit: Oval to upright vase shape. Tree size: Reaches a height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet.
Flower and fruit: Flowers are white and are borne in panicles up to 4 inches long. Fruit is black and sweet and attracts birds.
Leaf: Leaves are alternate, simple and 11/4 to 3 inches long with serrate margins. Leaves emerge purplish then become dark green in summer. Fall color is an excellent orange, red or yellow.
Hardiness: Winter hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Additional information: Allegheny serviceberry is especially attractive when planted in front of an evergreen background. Botanist Francois Michaux wrote that the berries of Allegheny serviceberry were sold in Philadelphia markets. The wood of Allegheny serviceberry ranks among the heaviest in the U.S. Allegheny serviceberry has naturalized in Germany, England and the Netherlands. Allegheny serviceberry was introduced into the landscape in 1870.