Allegheny Serviceberry Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes'
ABOUT
The Snowflakes, a charming deciduous shrub or small tree, stands out with its distinctive seasonal transformations. During spring, it is adorned with elegant white flowers, akin to snowflakes, which gracefully dangle from its branches. These blooms are profuse and star-shaped, offering a captivating display against the backdrop of the emerging foliage. As the seasons progress, the leaves shift from a glossy green to an array of spectacular autumn hues, showcasing oranges, reds, and yellows, before they eventually fall. The plant carries clusters of small, round, and edible fruits that transition from a green hue to a dark purplish-black as they mature, usually ripening in early summer. These fruits are favored by birds and can also be used in jellies and pies for human consumption. Its smooth gray bark adds to the visual interest, especially in the winter when the branching structure becomes more noticeable after the leaves have dropped. Overall, the Snowflakes' multi-season appeal makes it a delightful addition to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Allegheny Serviceberry, Smooth Shadbush, Smooth Serviceberry, Snowflakes Amelanchier.
Common names
Amelanchier laevis.
ToxicityTo humans
Serviceberry is generally not considered toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are edible and can be eaten raw or used in various recipes like jams and pies. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting Serviceberry because it is not poisonous to humans.
To pets
Serviceberry is also not considered toxic to pets. It is safe for dogs and cats, and there are no known symptoms of poisoning from these animals ingesting Serviceberry. Pets can consume the berries without the risk of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Ornamental Features: Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes' is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring, providing a stunning ornamental display.
- Wildlife Value: It produces small, sweet fruits that are favored by birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Four-Season Interest: With its spring blooms, summer berries, striking autumn foliage, and stark winter branches, it offers visual interest throughout the year.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is capable of withstanding periods of drought, which is particularly beneficial in regions with water restrictions or less predictable rainfall.
- Adaptable: It can thrive in a range of soil types, from acidic to slightly alkaline, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for urban gardens and smaller landscapes where space is at a premium.
- Native Plant: As a native species, it supports local ecosystems and is well-adapted to regional climate conditions, often requiring less intervention to thrive.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil degradation.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Attraction: The 'Snowflakes' serviceberry's delicate white flowers provide an excellent backdrop for springtime photography sessions.
- Small-scale Syrup Production: While not as common as maple, the sap of serviceberry trees can be used to make a unique, small-batch syrup for culinary experimentation.
- Supporting Local Wildlife: Serviceberry trees produce fruits that are highly attractive to birds and can help support local avian populations.
- Dye Production: The bark and fruit of the serviceberry can be used to create natural dyes for textiles in varying shades of red and blue.
- Educational Tool: Serviceberry trees, with their distinct growth stages, can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology and seasonal changes.
- Landscape Drawing and Painting: The seasonal changes of the serviceberry, from flowering to fruiting, offer diverse subjects for artists specializing in landscapes.
- Natural Sweetener: The berries can be dried and ground into a powder to use as a natural sweetener in baking and cooking.
- Fruit Leather: Pureed serviceberry fruits can be dried into sheets to make fruit leather, a healthy, natural snack.
- Live Stakes: Cuttings from serviceberry trees can be used as live stakes for stream restoration and erosion control projects.
- Winter Interest: The serviceberry's stark branching pattern against the winter sky offers a visual interest in colder months when the garden is bare.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe serviceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe serviceberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: As a plant that blossoms in early spring, Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes', commonly known as the Allegheny serviceberry, symbolizes new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Purity: The white flowers of the Allegheny serviceberry are often associated with purity and innocence, reflecting its pristine snow-like blossoms.
- Hope: The emergence of its blooms after the cold winter months makes the Allegheny serviceberry a symbol of hope and the anticipation of better times ahead.
WaterThe Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes') prefers consistent moisture, especially during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which roughly translates to 2 gallons for a small tree. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Reduce the amount of water during the fall to help the plant harden off for winter.
LightAllegheny serviceberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can tolerate some shade. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade can also be beneficial, especially in hotter climates, to prevent excessive heat stress on the plant.
TemperatureAllegheny serviceberry is hardy and can generally withstand a temperature range from -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers the cooler end of this spectrum and grows best in temperatures that hover between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure it is planted in a location where it's protected from extreme heat, which can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning the Allegheny serviceberry is important to maintain its shape, encourage healthy growth, and remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning annually or once every couple of years will suffice to keep the plant looking tidy and to enhance air circulation, which can reduce the incidence of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Allegheny serviceberry 'Snowflakes' is well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5; you can use a blend of loam, compost, and peat moss.
RepottingAllegheny serviceberry 'Snowflakes' is a large shrub or small tree and typically does not require repotting as it is usually planted directly in the ground.
Humidity & MistingAllegheny serviceberry 'Snowflakes' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and typically thrives in the humidity found in most outdoor environments, without specific requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor; needs full sun, large space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAmelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes', commonly known as the Smooth Serviceberry, starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in the spring after stratification through winter cold. As a seedling, it establishes its root system and grows its first leaves, relying on energy reserves from the seed. Throughout the juvenile phase, the Smooth Serviceberry develops woody stems and foliage, and after a few years, it matures and begins its reproductive phase, marked by the white decorative flowers it produces in early spring. Following flowering, pollination leads to the formation of pome fruits, which ripen to a dark purple-black, and provide food for wildlife, aiding in seed dispersal. As it reaches maturity, the tree can reproduce annually, providing ample opportunity for the spread of its seeds. The plant continues to go through seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy, slowly growing larger each year, and can live for several decades before the end of its life.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes', commonly known as Smooth Serviceberry, is typically propagated by seeds or softwood cuttings. The most popular method is propagation from softwood cuttings, which should be taken in late spring to early summer when new growth is 10 to 15 inches long and has not yet become hard or woody. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and each cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several leaves. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development before being placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. These cuttings need a warm, humid environment to root successfully, which can be provided by placing them inside a covered propagator or under a plastic dome. Roots may take several weeks to develop, and once they are established, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
