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Description
Amelanchier Canadensis, commonly known as the Shadblow Serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant bears white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in early spring and produce small, edible berries that resemble blueberries. The leaves are oval-shaped, finely toothed, and turn yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Amelanchier |
Appearance
The Shadblow Serviceberry has a multi-stemmed, upright growth habit and a rounded crown. The bark is smooth and gray, with prominent vertical stripes. The leaves are 2-4 inches long, dark green in color, and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers, which appear before the leaves, are white and have a sweet fragrance. The berries are red to purple in color and are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The plant blooms in early spring and produces fruit in late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Amelanchier Canadensis is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and moisture levels. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently in the winter. Fertilizer is not necessary, but a layer of compost or mulch can be added to the soil around the plant to improve soil quality. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Shadblow Serviceberry is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while spider mites can be controlled with a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause dieback of branches, can be prevented by pruning infected branches.
Habitat
The Shadblow Serviceberry is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and stream banks. It is often used in landscaping as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the berries be eaten?
A: Yes, the berries are edible and can be used in jams, jellies, and pies.
Q: Is the plant drought-tolerant?
A: While the plant can tolerate some drought, it prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly during dry spells.
Q: When is the best time to prune the plant?
A: The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Q: Can the plant be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its full size and potential.
Related Plants
- Amelanchier alnifolia
- Amelanchier laevis
- Amelanchier ovalis
- Amelanchier sanguinea
References
- “Amelanchier canadensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d517.
- “Amelanchier Canadensis.” Plants for a Future. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Amelanchier+canadensis.
- “Shadblow Serviceberry.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/shadblow-serviceberry.
