Family: Rosaceae
Common Name: Shadbush, Juneberry

The species in this genus are native to North America, Europe and Asia and are almost essential garden plants. Small, very hardy, deciduous trees or shrubs, amelanchiers have a short flowering period, followed by edible roundish blue-black berries, and the most superb autumn foliage. They can withstand very cold and dry conditions.

Species

A. canadensis, shad bush, service berry or June berry, zone 4, is a neat, erect tree which grows to 8 m (26 ft). In spring the foliage is a downy bronze and in autumn it is a rich orange-yellow. Drooping sprays of lacy white flowers cover the whole tree in spring.

A. x grandiflora, zone 4, is a spreading tree to about 8 m (26 ft) high. It has several notable cultivars, all showing either superior autumn colour or abundant spring blossom.

A. laevis, zone 5, is similar to A. canadensis but it has larger flowers. The new foliage is pinkish and the autumn leaves are a deep, rich red colour.

A. lamarckii, zone 4, grows to less than 10 m (33 ft). This species has become naturalized in parts of Europe.

Cultivation

Amelanchiers thrive in lime-free (acid), fertile, moisture-retentive soil and will take full sun or partial shade. They can be propagated from seed sown as soon as ripe in an outdoor seed bed, or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Climate

Amelanchiers prefer a cool, moist climate.