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Plant Profiles / Serviceberry
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Serviceberry
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' · Juneberry, shadbush, saskatoon
A small multi-stemmed tree offering white spring blossom, sweet edible berries in early summer and brilliant orange-red autumn colour.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Full sun gives the most flowers, fruit and autumn colour.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water regularly while establishing and during dry spells.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
Hardy, -35–32°C (-31–90°F)
CoolWarm
Needs winter chill to flower well.
Growth
Moderate, multi-stem tree
SlowFast
Grows 5–8 m; smaller in pots.
Soil
Moist, well-drained
LeanRich
Adaptable; prefers slightly acidic soil.
Fertiliser
Light, spring
RarelyOften
A light feed in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Fruit is edible. Seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds, so pets shouldn't eat large amounts.
About this plant
Serviceberries are native to North America. 'Autumn Brilliance' is a hybrid chosen for its vibrant autumn foliage and good disease resistance. The blueberry-like fruit is delicious fresh or in jams, if you can beat the birds to it.
Best spots
Front gardens, courtyards, edible gardens and large pots on sunny or part-shaded balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | North America |
| Plant type | Deciduous small tree |
| Mature size | 5–8 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Oval leaves, orange-red in autumn |
| Flowers | White star-shaped blossom |
| Toxicity | Generally safe; fruit edible |
| Propagation | Grafting or suckers |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Fruiting
Autumn colour
Prune
FloweringFruitingAutumn colourPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Orange spots on leaves | Cedar-apple rust. Remove affected leaves; usually cosmetic. |
| Birds eating all the fruit | Use netting as berries ripen. |
| Suckers at base | Remove unless you want a multi-stem shape. |
| Poor autumn colour | Too much shade. |
| Leaf scorch | Drought stress. |
Common questions
Are the berries edible?
Yes. They taste like a cross between blueberry and almond.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes, in a large pot (50 cm+).
When should I prune?
In winter, to remove crossing or weak stems.
Single or multi-stem?
Both are available; multi-stem has a natural, airy look.
