Downy Serviceberry, Alabama serviceberry, Juneberry, Common Serviceberry, Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

Physical Characteristics

Amelanchier arborea is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Minnesota and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Edible fruit - raw or cooked[101, 227]. The fruit has a few small seeds at the centre, some forms are dry and tasteless[11, 177, 227] whilst others are sweet and juicy[183, 227]. The fruit ripens unevenly over a period of 2 - 3 weeks and is very attractive to birds, this makes harvesting them in quantity rather difficult[229]. The fruit is borne in small clusters and is up to 10mm in diameter[200]. It is rich in iron and copper[226].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Astringent Tonic VD A compound infusion of the plant has been used as an anthelmintic, in the treatment of diarrhoea and as a spring tonic[257]. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea[257].

Known Hazards

None known