Additional information
Product Size | |
---|---|
Sun | |
Bloom Color | White |
H2O | |
Attracts | Birds, Pollinators |
Fall Color | |
Tolerates/Resistant To | Deer |
Bloom Period |
$45.00
Amelanchier laevis, commonly known as Smooth Serviceberry, is a native plant species that thrives in the state of Illinois. This small deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub belongs to the Rosaceae family and is celebrated for its striking appearance, ecological significance, and its adaptability to a variety of environments. Here’s a detailed description of Amelanchier laevis in the Illinois landscape:
1. **Appearance**: Smooth Serviceberry typically grows to heights ranging from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) but can occasionally reach up to 30 feet (9 meters). It is characterized by a graceful, upright form with a dense canopy. The smooth, grayish-brown bark adds to its aesthetic appeal.
2. **Leaves**: The leaves of Amelanchier laevis are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with finely serrated edges. They emerge as bronze or reddish in spring, transition to a deep green in summer, and transform into beautiful shades of orange, red, or purple in the fall, adding vibrant colors to the Illinois landscape.
3. **Flowers**: In early spring, Smooth Serviceberry produces showy clusters of delicate, white or pale pink, five-petaled flowers. These blossoms are an early source of nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making the plant a valuable addition to Illinois gardens.
4. **Fruits**: One of the most distinctive features of Amelanchier laevis is its edible berries, which ripen in late spring to early summer. These berries are initially red or purple and eventually mature into dark blue-black fruits that resemble small cherries. They are not only visually appealing but also a sought-after food source for birds and wildlife.
5. **Ecological Importance**: Smooth Serviceberry plays a vital role in the Illinois ecosystem. Its flowers attract pollinators, and its fruits are eagerly consumed by various bird species, including cedar waxwings and robins. It also provides habitat and shelter for a variety of wildlife.
6. **Environmental Adaptability**: This native plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils to heavier clay soils. It is often found in woodlands, open forests, and along stream banks.
7. **Cultural and Landscaping Uses**: Smooth Serviceberry is an excellent choice for native plant enthusiasts, wildlife gardeners, and those seeking ornamental plants for their landscapes. It can be used as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or as a naturalistic planting in more natural landscapes.
8. **Historical and Cultural Significance**: Native American tribes historically utilized Amelanchier species for medicinal purposes and as a source of food. The berries were consumed fresh or dried for later use.
Amelanchier laevis offers year-round interest with its attractive flowers, colorful foliage, and edible berries. Its ecological importance, adaptability, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to the Illinois landscape, providing both aesthetic and environmental benefits.
When young, it is the ugly duckling of trees, but it turns into a beautiful swan as it matures. It has bipinnate leaves, similar to a locust and it produces 3-6 inch seed pods that stay on all winter, providing great winter interest. The leaves, as well as the seeds are poisonous. As the trees are dioecious you will need male and female trees to produce fruit. The scaly ridged bark and irregular coarse branching habit create a dramatic effect on the winter landscape. Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poorer soils and drought. Avoid heavy clays. Also adapts well to urban conditions. Suckers to form colonies in the wild. The tree is late to leaf out and one of the first to drop leaves in the fall. Fall color is yellow.
An attractive tree for all seasons. Birds love its berries. Delicate white, star-like flowers bloom in early spring. Pleasant gray-green foliage, orange to rusty-red fall color, and smooth red-gray bark. Full sun to part shade. Likes well-drained soil. Host tree for moths and butterflies.
The oak most tolerant of wet areas. Swamp oak has a symmetrical rounded head in youth. Fall color is yellow to brown. Prefers full sun. Host tree for moths and butterflies. Attracts wildlife.
First tree to leaf out in spring and shade tolerant. Yellow-green flowers in early May. The 1″ diameter showy fruit is called a buckeye due to its resemblance to a deer’s eye. Does best in good garden soil with plenty of moisture, in full sun to part shade. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant.