General Information
A hybrid between Amelanchier canadensis and Amelanchier laevis, Apple Serviceberry is a multibranched shrub which can be trained into a small tree form with proper pruning. It has ornamental pink flowers in early spring that fade to white. It suckers less than other species is tolerant to a wide range of growing conditions.
Plant Habit and Form
Apple Serviceberry grows 15 to 25 feet tall by 15 to 20 feet wide. It has an upright, irregular but graceful vase-like form. It has alternate, 1- to 3-inch green leaves that are elliptical in shape with serrated margins. Its fall color is showy with leaf color ranging from yellow to orange to red.
Growing Requirements
Apple Serviceberry grows best in acidic, well-drained soils, but can tolerate clay and sandy soils too. The bush form grows in partial sun but the tree form prefers full sun. It is hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Flowering and Fruiting
Flowers form from pink buds in early spring and open to a very showy display of white. Small, sweet, edible fruits less than 1/2 an inch long follow the blooms and attract birds. They remain on the tree and turn magenta to purple.
Pests and Diseases
Leaf miners and pear sawflies cause damage to the leaves of Apple Serviceberry. Spider mites and aphids can be a concern as well as witches broom and fire blight.
ID Tips
Upright, irregular form up to 25 feet tall. Serrated, elliptical green leaves about 1 to 3 inches long that are yellow, orange and red in the fall. Showy white flowers that open tinged with pink. Magenta to purple berries.
