Utah Serviceberry
amelanchier utahensis
Also known as: ["Utah Juneberry","Utah Shadbush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to the western United States, valued for its edible fruits and ornamental features.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Amelanchier |
| Botanical Name: | Amelanchier utahensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or woodland edge, adaptable to garden beds or containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–18–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on plant age and vigor.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 7–14 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool winters and moderate summers. Ideal range: 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing in heat traps like near pavement; monitor soil temperature for root health.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only if growth is poor; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water well after application to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; seeds after cold stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; late winter for seeds after stratification.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended for cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seedlings emerge in 2–3 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire stems at the base; heading cuts to shorten branches for shape.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage fruiting. Focus on removing older stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for large branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead or crossing branches; make clean cuts just above buds or branch collars.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor planting. If grown in a container, repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
Checklist
Check for root-bound roots; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; delayed bud break or leaf drop in prolonged cold; reduced flowering in overly warm winters.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth may slow or stop; buds may be damaged if temperatures drop rapidly below freezing.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets; use frost cloth if temperatures drop below -10°C.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and fruit set; stunted growth in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Test soil before fertilizing; use a balanced formula; apply in early spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply lightly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with stems. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAmelanchier utahensis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for cats, with no known adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAmelanchier utahensis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for dogs, with no known adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAmelanchier utahensis is not considered toxic to humans. The plant is generally safe for consumption, with its fruits often used for culinary purposes.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the fruits of Amelanchier utahensis edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or used in jams and pies.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.
Q: Is this plant drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days during activ |
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