Snowy mespilus, European juneberry
Amelanchier ovalis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A spreading shrub. It grows to 5-6 m high. The leaves are small. They are woolly at first. The flowers are in woolly buds. The flowers are 35 mm across. They are in compact clusters. The fruit are red and turn blackish. They are very small. They are edible.

There are about 25-30 Amelanchier species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in rocky places and stony woods, mainly on limestone in Central and Southern Europe. Trees are cold hardy to -20°C. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Caucasus, Europe (country/location of origin), Greece, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked. They are mostly used for jam or wine.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bullonera, Cornijuelo, Cornillo, Currune, Galluvera, Guillomas, Guillominas, Madronillo, Millomas, Millominas, šmarna hrušica, Sorbo, Swamp pear, Swamp sugar pear, Tazart immissawn

Synonyms

Amelanchier rotundifolia (Lam.) Dum. Cours.; Amelanchier vulgaris (Moench.); Crataegus rotundifolia (Lam.); Mespilus amelanchier (L.);