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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Amelanchier obovalis (Coastal serviceberry)
Stuart, Will

Amelanchier obovalis

Amelanchier obovalis (Michx.) Ashe

Coastal Serviceberry, Coastal Service-berry, Shadbush, Coastal Juneberry

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: AMOB2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A colony-forming shrub, 1-5 ft. tall, with white flowers in dense, spikes blooming before the leaves are out. The ensuing fruit are dark-blue to purple.

 

From the Image Gallery

3 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Pome
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Leaf: Dark Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , DE , GA , MA , MD , NC , NJ , PA , SC , VA
Native Distribution: E. PA to SC
Native Habitat: Dry, open woods; pine barrens

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: A food plant for birds and small mammals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: This species can be rooted from early spring hardwood cuttings or softwood cutting taken in the summer. Sow untreated seeds in fall or cold-stratified seed in spring.
Seed Collection: Collect fruits as soon as they ripen (if you can beat the birds) and clean seeds immediately to prevent fermentation. Fertile seeds are dark brown with a leathery seed coat. Seed extraction is usually by macerating the fruit and washing them over screens. Air dry and store in sealed, refrigerated containers for up to five years.
Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 90-120 days.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Amelanchier obovalis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Amelanchier obovalis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Amelanchier obovalis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-11-14
Research By: TWC Staff

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