Allegheny Serviceberry

Scientific Nomenclature: Amelanchier laevis

Common Names: Allegheny serviceberry, smooth shadbush, smooth serviceberry

Mature Height: 15–25 feet

Mature Spread: 15–20 feet

Growth Rate: Moderate

Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators, birds and small mammals

Messiness: Leaves drop in the autumn. Small, white flowers bloom in spring and drop after. Berry-like pomes mature on the plant in summer and drop by autumn unless eaten.

Shape: Vase, irregular, multi-stemmed

Native to Kentucky: Yes

Preferred Soils: Allegheny serviceberry prefer moist, acidic (<6.0pH), well-drained loam soils but will tolerate a range of soil types including clay and sand, neutral soils (6.0–8.0pH) and occasionally dry soils.

Screening: Can be used as a screening tree or privacy hedge. It tends to grow shrubby so multiple together can form a nice, messy hedge.

Drought Tolerance: Does not tolerate drought.

Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous

Pruning: The plant likely must be pruned for use as an upright shade tree or street tree as it wants to grow shrubby. It can remain unpruned if its natural form is desirable for the landscape you’re planting it in. Deadwood and damaged branches should be removed as needed.

Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one Allegheny serviceberry will:

• Sequester ~883 pounds of CO2.
• Reduce stormwater runoff by 276 gallons.