Unusual & Old Fashioned Fruit Trees

 Amelanchier Lamarckii Felsenbirne - Serviceberry, Snowy Mespilus or Juneberry.

As with most trees there are several species of Amelanchier which are all very hardy coming from North America, in particular from an area stretching from Alaska to the Rocky Mountains of Colarado. These small trees are all easy to grow, but do prefer moist soil that has good drainage and will do well in full sun or partial shade.

Here in the UK, the deciduous Amelanchier, is usually grown as an ornamental shrub, because some varieties have a particularly good autumn leaf colour on their oval leaves. However, they do produce an edible fruit as they belong to the “Pome” fruit group that includes apples, pears and quinces.

Very little pruning of Amelanchier’s is needed, as they are naturally small, healthy trees. As with any fruit tree though, a little shaping and trimming may be necessary from time to time during the wintertime. Springtime will see the production of clusters of white flowers, which are followed by fruit that ripen around July, to a dark, reddish purple. As with most plants that produce berries, trees will need netting as the berries turn from green to red. The juicy berries are ideal for making jams, various puddings and used in cooking generally.