Amelanchier laevis - Allegheny Serviceberry

Allegheny Serviceberry is a native tree for all seasons. In April and May, its beautiful white flowers are delicately scented and provide nectar for the season’s early bees and butterflies. In mid summer, its fruits ripen to a brilliant violet-pink, then age to deep blue-purple when fully ripe. Its leaves play occasional host to the larvae of Viceroy, Striped Hairstreak, and Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. The grand finale comes in fall with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds as the leaves prepare to drop. Allegheny Serviceberries are found in moist woods and meadows, but tolerate most conditions; they will bloom more in full sun, but they have a more open and graceful habit in the shade. This species is drought tolerant once established but will grow taller and faster in consistently moist soils. Allegheny Serviceberries can be grown as a small tree or be pruned to become a densely branched shrub!