Amelanchier (Serviceberry) x grandiflora "Autumn Brilliance" in springtime bloom.
Photo: Weston Nurseries
Looking for a tree that is rated "low-allergy" on gardening pioneer Thomas Leo Ogren's OPALS scale, has color interest in 3 long seasons, beautiful bark in winter, is native to the eastern U.S., and produces small blue-black berries snapped up by birds, or, if you are lucky to get the remains, makes fruit pie reportedly more delicious than Blueberry?
Serviceberry "Autumn Brilliance" in summer.
Photo: Miller Nursery
Photo: Miller Nursery
THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME garden will be the lucky recipient of just such a tree. Also known as "Serviceberry", this tree's "Autumn Brilliance" cultivar stands 12' tall in a typical 10-15 years (with mature height of 20'), is hardy to zone 4, and disease-resistant. As a female tree, it produces no pollen, and according to Ogren's ground-breaking book, Allergy-Free Gardening, is rated a nice low 3 out of 10 on the OPALS allergy scale. I am surprised that this tree is not found on every street in town with these credentials. It will be front and center in this healthy garden.
Serviceberry "Autumn Brilliance" in fall.
Photo: Landscapedia
Photo: Landscapedia
Happy healthy gardening!
Lisa
Lisa
I just came across your blog and fell in love with this tree!! Do you know if it would survive in Utah? The soil at my house is Clay based. Its called the Serviceberry? Love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Julia.
ReplyDeleteUtah Urban Forest.org gives the Amelanchier x grandiflora (Serviceberry) an 80-100% rating, which seems excellent.
Check out more details at the following link:
www.utahurbanforest.org/Utah_Forest_Facts-Oct07.pdf.
Let me know if you try one. Always love to hear back from readers.
Good luck.
Lisa