Common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Also known as: Shadbush, Juneberries

The common serviceberry tree, Amelanchier arborea, is a small deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 15-25 feet. It features showy white flowers in early spring, followed by edible berries that mature from red to purple-black in early summer. In the fall, its leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow to red. This tree is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and birds.

**Growing Conditions:**
- **Sun Exposure:** Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- **Soil Requirements:** Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
- **Water Needs:** Moderate; prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
- **Hardiness Zones:** 4-9, making it suitable for cold climates.

The common serviceberry is valued for its ornamental beauty, edible fruit, and ability to attract wildlife. It is also low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common serviceberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

4.5 m to 12 m

Spread

4.5 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Red Bronze

Flower Size

15 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Common serviceberry

Quickly Identify Common serviceberry

Deciduous plant with simple, oval leaves showcasing fine teeth and downy texture beneath.

Presence of drooping racemes bearing star-shaped white to pink flowers in early spring.

Transitioning fruit from green to dark purple-black, self-fruitful and resembling highbush blueberries.

Leaves ranging from purplish-brown to light green, featuring pointed tips and varying textures.

Trunk bark transforms with age, transitioning from smooth to rugged furrowed texture.

Scientific Classification of Common serviceberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Rose

Genus

Shadbushes

Species

Common serviceberry

Planting and Growing of Common serviceberry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Common serviceberry?

For Amelanchier arborea, it's vital to provide enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A deep watering of around 1000 milliliters ensures the roots can absorb sufficient moisture without drowning. Always ensure that excess water can drain away to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common serviceberry? ›

What should I do if my Common serviceberry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common serviceberry? ›

How to save an overwatered Common serviceberry? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common serviceberry?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

The ideal light range for Amelanchier arborea is full sun to partial sun. This ensures active and balanced growth, as the plant processes sunlight effectively to promote strong branching and prolific flowering, crucial for a healthy lifecycle.

What is the ideal amount of daily sunlight? ›

How can one ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight? ›

What are the benefits of optimal sunlight exposure? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common serviceberry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature for Amelanchier arborea, commonly known as the downy serviceberry, is between 60°F and 75°F. This range allows the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and utilize water resources effectively, promoting robust growth and vibrant blooms. Maintaining this temperature range is essential for optimal health and fruiting of the plant.

What Soil is Best for Common serviceberry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Amelanchier arborea thrives in well-drained soil, which helps prevent waterlogging and root rot. This requirement ensures the roots have access to oxygen and nutrients, promoting healthy growth. While drainage is important, retaining some moisture is crucial for Amelanchier arborea, especially in dry seasons. Soil with proper organic matter can balance drainage and moisture retention. The plant prefers soil rich in organic matter and nutrients. Ensuring a nutrient-rich medium supports vibrant blooms and foliage, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the plant.

How to Fertilize Common serviceberry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Amelanchier arborea thrives with a balanced application of fertilizers, generally about 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter annually. This ensures the tree has access to required nutrients without the risk of over-fertilizing.

How to Prune Common serviceberry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin your pruning by identifying any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove these branches at their base, which will prevent disease from spreading and encourage healthier growth. To shape the canopy, focus on branches that cross over each other, as these can cause wounds and invite disease. Trim them to maintain a balanced and open structure, allowing sunlight to penetrate the interior, fostering the growth of healthy, new shoots. Selectively thin the branches to encourage vigorous growth. Target branches growing inward towards the trunk or those that form acute angles. This promotes the development of outward-growing branches, which help form a strong, resilient structure. Finally, control the overall size of the tree. Cut back any excessively long or unruly branches to the desired length. This helps keep the Amelanchier arborea within bounds and aesthetically pleasing without compromising its natural grace.

How to Propagate Common serviceberry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring

Collect ripe seeds from the tree in autumn. Clean and dry them before stratification, which involves cold treatment for a few months in the refrigerator to break dormancy.

During early spring, select healthy stems from the parent plant and cut them with sterilized shears. Ensure each cutting is about 4 to 6 inches long with a few leaves.

Plant seeds or cuttings in well-drained soil. For seeds, moderate watering is essential, while cuttings may require a humidity dome to retain moisture.

How to Repot Common serviceberry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Signs that Amelanchier arborea needs repotting include roots growing through the drainage holes and soil that dries out faster than usual. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for repotting as these periods offer mild temperatures for recovery.

Select a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the current one to allow room for root growth. It's beneficial to choose a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root aeration.

Opt for a well-drained loamy soil mix that retains enough moisture without becoming waterlogged, providing essential nutrients and good aeration, ensuring healthy growth and development of the plant's root system.

Toxicity of Common serviceberry

Is Common serviceberry toxic to cat?

The common serviceberry possesses a moderate toxicity level for felines. If cats consume any portions of the plant, including the stems, leaves, or unripe berries, they may face poisoning risks. The ingestion of these parts can result in physical distress or illness in cats. It is essential for cat guardians to keep their pets away from common serviceberry and monitor for any unusual behaviors or indications of sickness. Should ingestion be suspected, it is vital to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to safeguard the health of the affected cat.

Is Common serviceberry toxic to dog?

The common serviceberry presents a moderate toxicity risk to canine companions. Poisoning usually occurs when a dog consumes various parts of the plant, notably the stems, leaves, or unripe berries. If a dog ingests these components of the common serviceberry, it may display symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict their access to the common serviceberry, particularly during the growing season when the toxic parts are readily available. Should there be any suspicion that a dog has ingested common serviceberry, prompt veterinary attention is critical to ensure the best possible recovery for the affected pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.