Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

The Allegheny Serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier laevis, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to eastern North America, including the Allegheny Mountains. It is valued for its beautiful spring flowers, edible berries, and attractive fall foliage.

Here are some key features and care tips for the Allegheny Serviceberry:

1. Appearance: The Allegheny Serviceberry typically grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet, with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. It has an upright, multi-stemmed form and oval-shaped leaves that emerge bronze in spring, turn green in summer, and change to shades of orange and red in the fall. In early spring, it produces clusters of white flowers that give way to small, edible berries that ripen to a dark purple or black color.

2. Berries: The berries of the Allegheny Serviceberry are edible and can be used in jams, jellies, pies, or eaten fresh. They are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Rust, leaf spot, blight, and powdery mildew are occasional disease problems.  Sawfly, leaf miners, and borers are occasional pests.

LANDSCAPE USES: Group Plantings or Specimen Tree, Naturalized Areas, Wildlife Gardens, Woodland Gardens, and  Shade Tree. 

COMPANION PLANTS: Oakleaf Hydrangea, Dogwood, Joseph's Coat

IMAGES: Sherief Saleh, A21-1-Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Serviceberry), CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) Photo by Richard Webb, Form in fall, CC BY 3.0, (3) Sherief Saleh, A21-2-Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Serviceberry), CC BY-SA 3.0, (4) Ryan Hodnett, Alleghany Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) - Guelph, Ontario 01, CC BY-SA 4.0