Maritime Arboretum Seed Common Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

A small deciduous tree or large shrub native to eastern North America. It produces clusters of white flowers in early spring, followed by small edible purple-red berries. Its foliage turns attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.

Approximate Maximum Height: Up to 20 m
Zone(s): Zone 6

Lighting: Full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and fruit production, provide about 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Germination: Seeds have dormancy and require cold stratification. A common approach is to keep the seeds moist and cold at about 1-5°C (34-41°F) for 3-4 months, then sow them about 0.5-1 cm deep in a well-draining growing medium. Germination can be slow and irregular.

Watering:  Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and while seedlings are young. Once established, water deeply during dry periods. Serviceberry prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering during its first few growing seasons.