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Description
Amelanchier Arborea, commonly known as the Downy Serviceberry or Common Serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring and edible dark purple berries that ripen in June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Angiospermae |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Amelanchier |
| Species: | Amelanchier Arborea |
Appearance
The Amelanchier Arborea plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has a multi-stemmed, upright growth habit with a round-shaped crown. The leaves are oval-shaped, 2 to 4 inches long, and have a finely toothed margin. In the fall, they turn into a beautiful yellow-orange to red color.
The plant produces clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by dark purple berries that ripen in June. The berries are sweet and edible and are often used in pies and jams.
Care Guide
Amelanchier Arborea is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your plant:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sand.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amelanchier Arborea is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on leaves and fruit, as well as galls on twigs. It can be prevented by removing nearby cedar trees and applying fungicides.
- Fruit Tree Leafroller: This insect can cause damage to leaves and fruit. It can be controlled with insecticides.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting and blackening of leaves, shoots, and fruit. It can be prevented by pruning infected areas and applying antibiotics.
Habitat
Amelanchier Arborea is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It is a common understory plant in deciduous forests and is often used in landscaping and restoration projects.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Amelanchier Arborea be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Amelanchier Arborea in containers, it is not recommended as the plant can grow quite large and requires a lot of space to thrive.
Q: Are the berries of Amelanchier Arborea poisonous?
A: No, the berries of Amelanchier Arborea are not poisonous and are often used in pies and jams.
Q: Does Amelanchier Arborea require pruning?
A: While Amelanchier Arborea does not require pruning, it can benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth.
Q: How long does it take for Amelanchier Arborea to produce fruit?
A: Amelanchier Arborea typically produces fruit within two to three years of planting.
Related Plants
- Amelanchier Canadensis
- Amelanchier Laevis
- Amelanchier Stolonifera
References
- “Amelanchier Arborea,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 14, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276628&isprofile=0&basic=downy%20serviceberry.
- “Amelanchier Arborea,” USDA Forest Service, accessed September 14, 2021, https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/amaarb/all.html.
- “Downy Serviceberry,” The Morton Arboretum, accessed September 14, 2021, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/downy-serviceberry.
