SafePlants

Amelanchier lamarckii: The Snowy Mespilus or Juneberry

Amelanchier lamarckii, commonly known as Juneberry or Snowy Mespilus, is a versatile and beautiful deciduous shrub or small tree appreciated for its year-round interest.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces red to purple fruits.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amelanchier lamarckii
• Common Names: Juneberry, Snowy Mespilus, Serviceberry, Shadbush
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Synonyms: Some experts believe it to be a naturally occurring hybrid between other Amelanchier species.

Distribution and Habitat

• While its exact origin is unknown, Amelanchier lamarckii is generally considered a North American species.
• It is widely planted for ornamental purposes.
• It has naturalized in Britain.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Amelanchier lamarckii is a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching up to 6 meters (approximately 19 feet) in height and 4 meters (approximately 13 feet) in spread.
• It exhibits an open, sometimes spreading habit.
• Young leaves are bronze-tinged, turning orange and red/yellow in the autumn.
• It features abundant sprays of star-shaped white flowers in spring (March-April). Some cultivars, like 'Robin Hill', have delicate pink flowers in bud.
• The plant produces red to purple fruits.
• The plant has an attractive multi-stemmed structure, especially noticeable in winter.

Cultivation

• It thrives in almost all soils but prefers well-drained, lime-free substrates.
• It grows best in full sun or partial shade, especially on acid soils.
• It is hardy to zone 4 (UK).
• Hard pruning after flowering is recommended.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers are good for bees.