Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!

Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
You are here: Home / Plants / Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic / Trees / Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)

Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)

Downy hairs on emerging flower buds of native Amelanchier arborea
Amelanchier arborea flowers
Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry) adjacent to the Glencarlyn Library in April. Before leafing out in spring it flowers, earlier than most broadleaf species.
Immature pomes of Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry) in May
Amelanchier arborea fruit
Amelanchier arborea fruit with cedar-apple rust in May.
Colorful Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry) in November adjacent to the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Amelanchier arborea flowers with Eastern carpenter bee

Note: Click on images to see enlarged photos, captions, and photo attributions.
On a mobile phone, click on the information symbol (circle with a letter ℹ︎ symbol).

Height: 15–25 feet Spread: 15–25 feet Bloom Color: White Characteristics Multistemmed, deciduous small tree/large shrub; Budded shoots and young leaves covered in down; Clusters of fragrant, five-petaled flowers present before leaves for about a week from March to April; Fleshy, berry-like pomes ripen red to deep purple; Yellow or red autumn color Smooth, dappled bark splits and furrows as ages. Attributes Tolerates clay soil, drier soil, shade, air pollution; deer seldom-to-occasionally severely damage: Edible fruit harvested for pies and jams; Early food source for wildlife; excellent for attracting native bees; larval host for Red-spotted Purple butterfly and numerous moth species. Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained; Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade; Water Requirements: Moist; Sunnier the site, more prolific the flowers/fruit; To deter cedar-apple, -hawthorn, -quince rusts do not grow near Juniperus virginiana or prostrate junipers; Remove root suckers to allow for greater growth; Use near patios, in groups or woodland gardens; Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 Excellent Replacement for Albizia julibrissin - Mimosa / Silk Tree; Cornus species – Dogwoods; Paulownia tomentosa - Princess Tree; Pyrus calleryana - Bradford Pear

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

Print Version (Legal Size):
Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)

Common in woodlands throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, this native provides seasonal interest from early spring blossoms through vivid fall color. Edible fruit is ready for picking early summer, but there will be fierce competition with the 58 wildlife and 35 bird species that use this tree.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets