Amelanchier arborea

Common Names

Downy Serviceberry, Serviceberry, Juneberry, Juneberries, Shadbush, Shadblow, Common Serviceberry, Sarvis-Tree, Alabama Serviceberry

Summary

Amelanchier arborea, commonly Downy Serviceberry, is a native North American deciduous shrub or small tree in the Rosaceae family that typically grows 15–25 feet tall with a multi‑stemmed habit. It blooms in spring with showy white flowers in pendulous racemes, followed by edible red to purple fruit that ripens in early summer; the foliage provides yellow to orange to red fall color, and the smooth gray bark develops longitudinal fissures with age. The plant often suckers at the base, forming colonies, and it occurs naturally in eastern North America. In cultivation, it prefers moist, well‑drained acidic soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade, with hardiness typically in USDA zones 4–9. Maintenance is generally low; regular pruning helps develop strong structure and manage basal suckering. Uses include naturalized or woodland plantings, specimen plantings, and wildlife‑friendly landscapes; flowers attract bees and butterflies while berries are eaten by birds and small mammals. Edible fruit supports culinary uses in jams and pies; propagation can be from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings, and it often forms root suckers that may require removal to control spread. It is susceptible to rusts, fire blight, powdery mildews, and leaf spots, so good air circulation and proper watering help minimize problems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-25 feet

Spread

180-240 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, acidic to neutral pH (pH 5.5–7.0), tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils.

Soil Drainage

No single ideal drainage; tolerates a wide range—from swampy, poorly drained sites to well-drained soils, including moderately drained soils.

Soil pH

4.0-7.0, Acidic to neutral soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Orange, Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies