Serviceberry

Botanical Name: Amelanchier canadensis
Common Names: Canadian Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadblow Serviceberry

Serviceberry is a hardy native deciduous tree or large shrub that puts on a top show in every season. White star shaped spring flowers lead to sweet little fruits that taste a bit like a blueberry mixed with almond. In autumn the leaves turn a stunning fiery red and orange before dropping to reveal smooth silver bark. It is easy to grow and a top choice for backyard growers wanting an attractive edible plant. Protect for scorching heat.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 2-4m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade

Minimum pot year 5: 50L pot

Time to fruit age: 2-3 years from a young plant.

Amelanchier canadensis is extremely cold hardy, easily surviving harsh frost and sub-zero temperatures down to about -30°C. For heat, it handles warm summers well with regular water, but can get leaf scorch in severe, prolonged heat waves or dry heat above 38°C without some afternoon shade and mulch.

Handles heavy clay soils surprisingly well compared to many other fruit trees. It tolerates poor drainage better than most serviceberries, though it still grows best and fruits heaviest in moist, organic-rich soil.

Serviceberry trees are tough and easy to look after once established. They love moist but well drained soil and do best with a bit of summer watering. They grow happily in large pots or straight into the garden bed as a focal feature or natural screen.

Interesting Notes:
The berries are packed with goodness and make delicious fresh eating, jams, or pies if you can pick them before the local birds spot them.

The common name Shadbush comes from the flowering time matching the spring migration of shad fish up North American rivers.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Amelanchier canadensis, Serviceberry tree, Juneberry tree, edible berry plant Perth, exotic fruit tree Perth