Amelanchier utahensis

Common Names

Utah Serviceberry, Serviceberry, Coville's Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry, Pale-leaved Serviceberry, Shadbush

Summary

Utah serviceberry is a western North American native deciduous shrub or small tree with a multi-stem, upright to arching form, typically 6–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, often suckering to form colonies and developing deep, spreading roots; gray-green leaves, clusters of white flowers in early spring, and dark purple pomes that persist into summer, with vivid orange-red fall color and drought tolerance after establishment.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, tolerating alkaline conditions with high CaCO3 tolerance and drought tolerance once established; establish with regular watering for 2–3 years; propagation by seed with stratification or by root-crown sprouts; commonly grown as hedges, screens, or naturalistic plantings, including xeriscapes and erosion control, while providing edible fruit for humans and food for birds and other wildlife; hardy to USDA zones 5–8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-15 feet

Spread

6-10 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Rich, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.5-7.5, Mildly acidic to neutral soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (April-June)

Foliage Color

Green to gray-green foliage, with new foliage reddish and autumn color ranging to golden yellow, orange, or red

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to orange-red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate, 12-24 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Division (of suckers)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds