Other Names:  Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila

Description:

Neat, compact habit, branches are smothered with pretty star-shaped flowers in spring; dark purple-red fruit in late summer attracts birds; good size for general garden use

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Serviceberry is draped in stunning racemes of white flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late spring before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring. The oval leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. It produces deep purple berries from late spring to early summer.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Serviceberry is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Serviceberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Serviceberry will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.