Serviceberry, Utah
Amelanchier utahensis
Rosaceae - Rose

Description

Leaves: Dark green, shiny, and slightly hairy above; pale green and pubescent beneath; alternate; simple; small (1" in length), nearly round to egg-shaped, thick, coarsely toothed on upper half; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Twigs grayish to red-brown; somewhat hairy when young, hairless with age; round, flexible, coarse. Buds grayish; stout, 1/2" in length; scales red, overlapping, and hairy on edges.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers snowy white to pink; showy; 5-petaled, 1/2" to 1-1/2" in length; in clusters (3-8 flowers); blooms from April to June. Fruit a pome; ripened fruit reddish-brown to purplish-black; small (1/4" to 3/8" in diameter), in tight clusters; sweet and edible, ripens in late summer to early fall.

Bark: Ash-gray and brown-striped, smooth when young, rough and furrowed later.

Wood: Unimportant; light, soft; has been used to make basket rims and other items.

General: A Utah native which is widespread across western states in a variety of habitats, such as mountain canyons. Mostly stays shrubby, usually remaining below 15' in height. Canopy is rounded with multiple stems. Prefers well-drained soils and partial sun. Quite drought tolerant once established.

Landscape Use: Could be planted, usually is not. Would be a good ornamental, with showy flowers and fruit. Similar to western serviceberry (A. alnifolia), but has smaller and hairier leaves. Its fruit is not juicy, but is sweet and edible. Many bird species love its fruit; mule deer enjoy browsing on its foliage. Zones 3-8.

Characteristics

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