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Western Serviceberry

Amelanchier alnifolia

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Fast, Medium; Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay. Prefers sandy loam or loam soils.

Size

15–35ft tall , 15–20ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Aug

Foliage

Deciduous

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Berries eaten fresh or dried; traditional Indigenous food

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 77 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Northern California mountains and foothills from Shasta County northward, 2000-5000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon and eastward.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Western Serviceberry in fall or winter in a location with full sun or part shade - it's adaptable to either, though full sun will give you the fastest growth and most flowers. The key to success is drainage: choose a spot with fast or medium drainage and amend your soil if needed to match its preference for sandy loam or loam (though it tolerates sand, loam, and clay). Space according to your desired mature size, keeping in mind this shrub typically reaches 6 feet tall in 3 to 6 years.

After Planting

Water moderately the first year to help establish the plant, then taper off - once established, you'll need to water only about once a month during summer, if at all. Western Serviceberry is deciduous and will drop its leaves in winter, which is normal. You can prune it in late winter or early spring to shape it as a rounded shrub, more upright form, or flat hedge; the plant responds well to pruning and can be trained into various forms. The biggest mistake is overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil, which can shorten its lifespan - this plant is tough and prefers drier conditions once it's settled in.

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