Serviceberry 50+ Seeds

(Amelanchier utahensis) Zones 2 - 6. Pure white are borne in 2-4" long pendulous racemes in mid to late April. Serviceberry prefers a rich loamy soil in a sunny position or semi-shade but thrives in any soil that is not water-logged.

Propagation: Serviceberry prefers a rich loamy soil in a sunny position or semi-shade but thrives in any soil that is not water-logged. The seeds are best harvested 'green', when the seed is fully formed but before the seed coat has hardened, and then sown immediately in pots outdoors or in a cold frame. If stored seed is obtained early enough in the autumn, it can be given 4 weeks warm stratification before being left out in the winter and it should then germinate in the spring. Otherwise seed can be very slow to germinate, taking 18 months or more. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered outdoor position. Division of suckers can be dug in late winter. The suckers need to have been growing for 2 years before you dig them up, otherwise they will not have formed roots. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required.

This shrub averages 6 feet tall but often reaches 10 to 12 feet. Serviceberry leaves are alternate and simple, 1 to 3" long. The leaf margins are serrate, and the entire blade is supported by a 3/8" to 1½" petiole. When the young leaves are emerging, they are often covered with a dense pubescence, but become less so with maturity. Pure white are borne in 2-4" long pendulous racemes in mid to late April. These showy flowers last between 4 to 7 days. Blooming periods can be severely shortened by excessively warm weather. Favored by birds of all kinds, The reddish-purple fruit, ripening in late June, is favored by birds. The fruit is delicious, with a taste somewhat akin to that of blueberries (sweeter but not very juicy). The seeds have an almond flavor. The fruit, rich in iron and copper, can also be dried and used as a raisin substitute.