Pacific Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia var. semi-integrifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows up to 3 m high. It loses its leaves in the autumn especially in dry years. The leaves are oval and rounded at both ends. The upper surface is dark green and the lower surface is paler. The buds are purplish. The flowers occur in clusters. They are 4-7 cm long. The fruit are 10-12 mm across. They are purple and coated with a whitish powder. They are edible.

There are about 25-30 Amelanchier species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in moist woods and open places in Western North America. Plants are hardy to cold to about -35°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and used in puddings, pies and muffins. The fruit can be dried and eaten like raisins.

Formerly an important food for the North American Indians.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed, layering or suckers. Seed can take 18 months to germinate and layers can take 18 months to form roots.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amelanchier alnifolia subsp. florida (Lindl.) Hultn. Amelanchier florida Lindl.; Amelanchier ovalis var. semi-integrifolia Hook.;