Pacific Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 4F96 — Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia
Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifoliaAmelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia
IOverview
Overview
Pacific Serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States. It thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—with a preferred pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant prefers partial sun to full sun and requires moist conditions for optimal growth. Known for its edible fruit, which ripens from white to deep purple, Pacific Serviceberry is both ornamental and useful in the landscape. Its distinctive feature includes small, glossy leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange in autumn, adding color to the garden beyond the fruiting season.
Quick answers
What is Pacific Serviceberry?
Pacific Serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States. It thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—with a preferred pH range of 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pacific Serviceberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils of medium texture, though it can tolerate heavier clay or lighter sandy soils. It is hardy in temperate regions but its specific zone range isn't provided here. For propagation, use seeds or softwood cuttings. The tree grows to a height of 3 meters and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Pacific Serviceberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Pacific Serviceberry as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Pacific Serviceberry saplings or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings carefully, ensuring roots are not damaged. Sow seeds in late fall for natural stratification.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when dry, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest fruit after they turn a deep purple.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Pacific Serviceberry's fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various preparations. Typically, the berries are eaten raw but can also be dried or made into jams and jellies. They add a sweet flavor to pies and other desserts as well. Skip the complex recipes; simply enjoy them fresh for their natural taste.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia
introduced:Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4f9643db-a98d-4098-a7bb-de749c92381c
Decision aid
Choosing between Pacific Serviceberry and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.