Etymology
Amelanchier is likely derived from the Provençal name of the European Amelanchier ovalis. Laevis is Latin for “smooth, free of hairs”.
Native Habitat
Small understory tree of cool, moist deciduous forests and upland slopes.
Garden Uses
Amelanchier laevis can be a focal point of the spring and autumn landscape, and is effective as a specimen tree. Or, consider planting it as an understory tree in the woodland garden, where birds and small mammals will quickly forage the ripened berries. In either case, give it the room it needs to flourish.
Overview
Amelanchier laevis has an upright growth habit comprised of multiple undulating trunks and a rounded canopy. It is a deciduous small tree or shrub that is native to thickets, open woods, sheltered slopes and wood margins.
Leaves and Stems
The finely-toothed, obovate leaves emerge with a bronzish-purple tinge in spring, mature to lustrous dark green in summer, and turn red-orange in fall. There is one leaf per node and they are 1 1/2 to 3 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Young leaves may be sparsely hairy, but at maturity they are hairless. The reddish bark of the young stems and twigs is distinctive in smooth shadbush. As the stems mature, they develop a smooth mottled gray bark. Old trees develop bark with deeper furrows and flat ridges.
Flowers
Five-petaled, slightly fragrant, white flowers in upright 2 to 4 inch clusters at the tips of branch twigs appear in early spring (April) before the leaves emerge. It is one of the first shrubs to bloom in Maine. Flowers are about 1 inch across with 5 narrowly oblong-elliptic petals. In the center are 18 to 20 creamy-yellow tipped stamens surrounding green, hairless ovary.
Fruit/Seed
In June (hence the name Juneberry), the flowers give way to berries that change color from red to purple or black. They resemble blueberries in size, color and taste.
Wildlife Associates
Amelanchier laevis is one of the larval host plants of the Striped Hairstreak. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Fruits are eaten by cedar waxwings and numerous songbird species, ruffed grouse, and a wide range of mammals. Deer like to browse the buds and young twigs.
Propagation
Juneberry can be propagated from seeds, freshly sown or after storing and sown in fall. Cuttings can be taken from 4"-6" long stems.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Berries are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Historically, the berries were dried like raisins or made into jams for a sweet winter snack.
Garden Location
Entry Garden (see garden map)
Anecdotal Information
This tree is primarily distinguished from the very similar Missouri native downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) by its hairless foliage, purplish-tinged new growth and tastier (sweeter and juicier) berries. Seedlings of Amelanchier species are frequently encountered in the woods, but saplings are only seen occasionally.
Sources
Native Plant Trust
Missouri Botanical Garden
UMaine Cooperative Extension
Prairie Moon Nursery
Plant Profile by Kathy Kling