LWS Serviceberry (Amelanchier U.) Organic 20 Seeds USPS Shipping

Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis) is a small tree or large shrub 
that is highly branched or grows in clumps. Its average height at maturity 
is about 15 feet. The flowers of Utah serviceberry have white petals and 
grow in small clusters. While in bloom in early spring, the entire plant 
is snowy white. Flowers April through June.

It is common in the more arid areas in canyons, rocky areas, and foothills, 
usually between 3,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation. Once it is established, 
it tolerates drought well. It grows best on coarse to medium well-drained 
soils. It requires excellent drainage and is not salt tolerant.

The fruit of Utah serviceberry is an excellent source of bird food while 
the foliage is good browse for both wildlife and domestic livestock. It 
is a very important species for mule deer in the Great Basin. It provides 
good forage in late winter and early spring because it leafs out and blooms 
earlier than associated species (spring/summer). Utah serviceberry also 
provides good ground cover for watershed protection.

• General

Considerable variation occurs in the native shrubs or small trees 
that are generally 2 to 4 meters tall. Deciduous leaves are simple, alternate 
generally serrate-dentate from the middle to the tip. Flowers form clusters 
in early May with five showy white petals and the ovary is 2 to 5 celled. 
The persistent purplish – black pome can remain dry and pulpy. Considerable 
variation occurs when it is found on sites with Saskatoon serviceberry where 
natural hybrids are sometimes found. It generally occupies drier sites than 
Saskatoon serviceberry.

• Adaptation

The plant is found on rocky slopes, canyons and stream banks with 12 to 20 
inches of annual precipitation. It has a deep spreading root system and 
occupies soils that are coarse to medium textured and well drained. It is not 
tolerant of high water tables or saline soils. It is adapted to drier sites than 
Saskatoon serviceberry. Utah serviceberry grows with a variety of other plants 
but grows slowly and seedlings can be suppressed by dense stands of grasses 
and forbs.Establishment
Utah serviceberry can be established with seed planted about 1?4 of an inch deep in fall months or container grown plants set in the ground in early spring when soil moisture is present. Sprouting does occur but is not as common as the occurrence in the more northern ecotypes of Saskatoon serviceberry. 

• Establishment 

can be slow, especially if soil moisture is low, but the plant can survive on 
drier sites than Saskatoon serviceberry. New plantings can require several years (8 to 10) for flowering and seed production. Protection from browsing and plant competition along with the use of mulch will reduce the time required for establishment. Shade also will be beneficial for establishing live plants.