Genus Amelanchier (Juneberry, Shadbush, Snowy mespilus)

Amelanchier X grandiflora Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

am-el-AN-keer Common Name: Juneberry, Shadbush, Snowy mespilus

Amelanchier is a woodland genus of shrubs and small trees, many with suckering growths creating small colonies. Their star-shaped, flat to saucer shaped flowers are usually white with some pink blushing. Leaves turn a nice yellow-orange in fall and are accompanied by fruit that ripens in summer and is edible in some species. Birds will feast on the berries if not picked soon after ripening.
Noteworthy characteristics: Noted for their fine five-petaled showy racemes of white-to-pink-flushed flowers in spring. Also prized for beautiful fall foliage and fruit.
Care: Grow in acidic, moist soil in sun to part shade. Needs minimal pruning. Prune in autumn to avoid excessive sap loss.
Propagation: Root greenwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: Fireblight and a varity of fungal leaf spots. Rust and powdery mildew are common.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Amelanchier

Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'
(Apple serviceberry) (3 user reviews)

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This shrubby tree has leaves that emerge bronze, mature green, and fade to orange and red in autumn. It bears 3-inch-long racemes of white flowers in spring, followed by edible, juicy blue-black fruit.

Amelanchier alnifolia
(Alder-leaved serviceberry, Saskatoon) (1 user review)

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This multi-stemmed shrub or tree can reach almost 20 feet tall. At one time, it was used medicinally for many conditions. Its autumn color is bright red or yellow and its small, edible black fruits attract much wildlife.

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent'
('Regent' serviceberry) Be the first to rate this plant

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A compact shrub form of serviceberry, 'Regent' produces finely toothed, rounded leaves that are bluish on top and gray-green on the bottom. In fall, they change to vibrant yellow and red. Spring finds the shrub sporting white flowers in upright clusters that give way to fruit in June. Birds as well as humans appreciate the tasty berries, which make great jellies and jams and are more abundant in full sun. This plant is native to the Great Plains and tolerates harsh, dry, or alkaline conditions when mature.

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