Utah Serviceberry, Coville's serviceberry

Amelanchier utahensis

Physical Characteristics

Amelanchier utahensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. 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 dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Utah to New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: The fruits (pomes) of Amelanchier utahensis are edible and vary in quality. At their best, they have a sweet, apple-like flavor with hints of grapes and almonds, making them excellent for fresh eating or for use in pies, jellies, desserts, and preserves. However, the fruit quality is inconsistent: while some are soft and flavorful, others can be bland, dry, or develop a firm, apple-core-like texture that is unappealing [2-3]. Fruits usually mature from June to August, but timing depends on elevation and rainfall. They often pass through stages of green, pink, red, and finally dark purple, though color is not always a reliable indicator of ripeness—yellow and tan varieties also occur. Fruits ripen over time, so repeated harvests from the same shrub are often possible [2-3]. Seeds make up a large portion of the fruit, giving them a chewy or phlegm-like quality. Healthy fruits are high in pectin and suitable for jellies, but diseased fruit is common. Utah serviceberries are particularly prone to orange rust fungus, which can infect entire populations. Careful inspection of each berry is recommended before consumption [2-3]. Like other serviceberries, only the fruits are edible—other parts contain cyanogenic compounds (prunasin) and should be avoided [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 4/5 – Nutritious and often delicious, but inconsistent in quality and sometimes disease-prone. Edible fruit, raw or cooked[105, 172, 229, 257]. The fruit can also be dried and used as a raisin substitute[177, 183]. The fruit is rich in iron and copper[226]. It is produced in small clusters and is about 10mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic Oxytoxic An infusion of the inner bark is used to treat snow-blindness[172]. The plant has been used to ease childbirth during labour and delivery[257].

Known Hazards

Like other serviceberries, only the fruits are edible—other parts contain cyanogenic compounds (prunasin) and should be avoided [2-3].