Swamp sugar pear
Amelanchier oblongifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It develops runners. It grows 4.5 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The stem is erect and branching. The leaves are oblong and 6 cm long. There are fine teeth around the edge. The leaves are woolly and turn crimson in autumn. The flowers are white and woolly. They are in groups 7.5 cm long. The fruit are 1-2 cm across. They are black and edible.

There are about 25-30 Amelanchier species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow on heavy clay soils. It can grow in hotter areas and has some drought resistance.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from ripened seeds.

It starts cropping when young. It has good yields.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amelanchier canadensis var. oblongifolia Torr. & A. Gray;