Snowy Mespilus Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss'
ABOUT
Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss', commonly known as Snowy Mespilus, is a deciduous shrub with a multi-stemmed, bushy habit. Its leaves are simple and ovate, presenting a fine texture with edges that can be subtly serrated or almost smooth. The foliage emerges a coppery-bronze color in spring, transitioning to soft green in the summer, and culminates in a stunning display of reds and oranges in the fall. The Snowy Mespilus is renowned for its abundant flowering. In spring, it produces a profusion of white, star-shaped flowers, each with five delicate petals that create a contrast against the young, bronze leaves. These flowers are not only beautiful but also provide a source of nectar for pollinating insects. Following the flowering period, the plant bears small fruit that can range in color from dark red to purplish-black. These berries are appreciated by birds and can also be used to make jellies and preserves. Overall, the Snowy Mespilus presents itself as a charming plant with an attractive year-round appearance. Its seasonal changes from the warm hues of new spring leaves to the brilliant tones of autumn, coupled with the striking white spring blossoms and edible fruit, make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Snowy Mespilus, Juneberry, Serviceberry, Shadbush
Common names
Amelanchier ovalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Amelanchier ovalis, commonly known as Snowy Mespilus, is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are edible and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. There are no significant toxins present in the plant that would cause harm to humans upon ingestion. Consequently, no typical symptoms of poisoning are associated with the Snowy Mespilus when consumed by humans.
To pets
Snowy Mespilus is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Similar to its safety for humans, this plant is not harmful to pets if ingested. It does not contain substances that are known to cause poisoning in common household animals, so there should be no adverse symptoms expected due to the ingestion of any part of the plant by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss', commonly known as Snowy Mespilus, provides aesthetic appeal with its white spring blossoms and autumn foliage colors.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant produces small, sweet fruits that attract birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Snowy Mespilus is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being tolerant of a range of soil types.
- Compact Size: This cultivar typically remains small, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: It has multi-season interest, with flowers in spring, berry-like pome fruits in summer, and colorful leaves in the fall.
Medical Properties- Not applicable - This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss', also known as Snowy Mespilus, provides food and shelter for various species of birds, insects, and small mammals, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Dye Production: The bark of the Snowy Mespilus can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography Subject: Due to its attractive white blossoms and striking fall color, Snowy Mespilus is often used by photographers as a subject for nature and landscape photography.
- Seasonal Celebrations: In some cultures, branches of the Snowy Mespilus may be used as decorations during spring festivals to symbolize new growth and renewal.
- Edible Flowers: The blossoms of the Snowy Mespilus can be used in salads or as a decorative edible garnish for various dishes, adding a subtle almond flavor.
- Garden Sculpture: With training and pruning, the Snowy Mespilus can be shaped into artistic forms, serving as a living sculpture in ornamental gardens.
- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its dense root system, the Snowy Mespilus can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks, reducing erosion and supporting soil health.
- Woodcraft: The hardwood of the Snowy Mespilus can be utilized for making small wooden objects such as handles, tools, and crafts due to its fine grain and workability.
- Fall Color Inspiration: The vibrant autumn leaves of the Snowy Mespilus provide inspiration for artists and designers, influencing color palettes in various creative fields.
- Culinary Experiments: Apart from being consumed fresh, the berries of the Snowy Mespilus can be used in experimental cooking to create unique sauces, jellies, and desserts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Snowy Mespilus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Snowy Mespilus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Often among the first plants to bloom in spring, Amelanchier ovalis, commonly known as Snowy Mespilus, symbolizes the idea of renewal and new beginnings as it heralds the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather.
- Purity: The 'Edelweiss' variety, with its white flowers, is reminiscent of the purity associated with the Edelweiss flower itself, which also symbolizes noble purity due to its clean, white appearance.
- Native Beauty: As a plant that is native to many regions, Snowy Mespilus symbolizes the idea of native beauty and the importance of local flora in maintaining regional ecosystems.
- Transition: The changing colors of the leaves in autumn from green to rich hues of orange and red can symbolize transitions and the beauty inherent in change.
- Provision: The edible berries of Snowy Mespilus symbolize provision and nourishment, reflecting how plants can provide sustenance for wildlife and humans alike.
WaterSnowy Mespilus, or Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss', prefers consistent moisture, so it should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be once a week during dry periods. During the growing season, this could mean using about 1-2 gallons per week per plant, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in soggy soil should be avoided to prevent root rot. Cut back on watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightSnowy Mespilus thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's ideal to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too much can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers.
TemperatureSnowy Mespilus fares well in a range of temperatures and can withstand winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers temperate climates and will perform best when summer temperatures don't regularly exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures help to ensure the health and vigor of the plant.
PruningPrune Snowy Mespilus in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning is necessary to shape the plant, remove any dead or damaged branches, and promote healthy new growth. Thinning out older branches every few years allows light and air to penetrate the canopy, which can improve the overall health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnowy Mespilus prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic material, such as a mix of loam and compost. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mulch layer can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingSnowy Mespilus, being mostly cultivated as an outdoor plant, does not require frequent repotting. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingSnowy Mespilus is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and typically does well in the ambient outdoor humidity. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in its suitable hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal indoors; requires sunlight and space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun/part shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSnowy Mespilus or 'Edelweiss' (Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss') begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown, germinates in the presence of adequate moisture and temperature conditions. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, growing roots, stems, and leaves during its early growth phase. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative stage, focusing on the expansion of foliage and strengthening of the structural framework to support future reproductive growth. This cultivar is known for its beautiful white flowers, which appear in spring, signaling the onset of the reproductive phase where pollination occurs, often with the help of bees and other pollinators. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into small, purplish-black fruit, which are appreciated by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. Throughout its life, Snowy Mespilus will experience cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting, typically with a dormancy period during the winter months when the plant conserves energy before reinitiating growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss', commonly known as Snowy Mespilus, is most commonly propagated through seed stratification, which is a cold treatment that simulates natural winter conditions seeds would experience in the ground. To propagate by seed, collect the ripe fruits in summer and extract the seeds. Clean them and mix with moist sand or peat, then store in a plastic bag or sealed container in the refrigerator, usually for about 3 months, at a temperature of 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 to 5 degrees Celsius). After the stratification period, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix and place in a warm, bright area. Germination can be erratic and may take several weeks to months. Even though seeds will produce genetic variability and plants might not be true to the parent, this method enables the growth of new plants without the need for specialized equipment or techniques.
