Serviceberry — Amelanchier canadensis
(a.k.a. Shadbush, Juneberry; multi-stem shrub/small tree)
Overview: Four-season native noted for clouds of white spring flowers, edible blue-purple “Juneberries,” clean green summer foliage, red–orange fall color, and smooth gray bark. Excellent as a specimen, clump, or naturalized hedge.
Size & habit: Typically 15–25′ tall × 10–15′ wide (often smaller in shrub form). Usually multi-stemmed and suckering; can be trained to single-stem.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Light: Full sun to part shade (heaviest bloom/fruit and best fall color in full sun).
Soil & water: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; tolerates sands to clays and periodic wet conditions. Keep evenly moist while establishing.
Flowers, fruit & foliage:
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Bloom: Early spring before or with leaf-out; 5-petaled white flowers in airy racemes.
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Fruit: Small pomes ripening late spring to early summer; sweet, blueberry-like flavor; excellent fresh or for pies/jam (birds adore them).
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Leaves: Elliptic/ovate, emerging bronze to gray-green, maturing medium green; red–orange in fall.
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Bark: Smooth silvery gray with subtle striping—good winter interest.
Tolerance / concerns:
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Tolerant: Cold, wind, and varied soils if drained.
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Watch-outs: Can sucker (manage if tree form desired). Possible rust/leaf spot, fire blight in stressful seasons, and apple maggot; ensure sun, airflow, and avoid overfertilizing with high nitrogen. Bird pressure on ripening fruit is high. Deer may browse new growth—protect young plants.
Pruning: Flowers/fruit on old wood → prune right after bloom. Thin lightly to maintain structure; remove basal suckers if you want a tree form.
Landscape uses: Small specimen near patios/entries, clump groves, edible landscapes, naturalized hedges, rain-garden edges, and wildlife plantings (nectar, fruit, cover).
Spacing (on-center):
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Informal hedge: 5–8 ft
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Specimen/clump: allow 10–15 ft spread
Planting tip: Set the root flare at or slightly above grade; mulch 2–3″ (keep off stems). Provide regular deep watering during the first 1–2 seasons for quickest establishment and best fruiting.
