Utah serviceberry
Amelanchier utahensis
Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Drier-site native; smaller leaves and tougher than Saskatoon. Edible berries, fall color.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water10 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: "Amelanchier utahensis" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Utah serviceberry, Amelanchier utahensis" by Jim Morefield is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Amelanchier utahensis" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 4: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: "Utah serviceberry, Amelanchier utahensis" by Jim Morefield is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Utah serviceberry, Amelanchier utahensis" by Jim Morefield is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 10 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~12 ft apart (8 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Fall color
- Orange, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Deer often browse this
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first 2 summers; native to drier sites but appreciates supplemental water during establishment.
- Fruit: edible.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Utah serviceberry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Utah serviceberry is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Utah serviceberry get?
- It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Utah serviceberry?
- Space Utah serviceberry about 12 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 8 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Utah serviceberry hardy on the Front Range?
- Utah serviceberry is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Utah serviceberry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Utah serviceberry grow?
- Utah serviceberry is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Utah serviceberry turn in fall?
- Utah serviceberry turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Utah serviceberry native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Utah serviceberry deer-resistant?
- No. Deer often browse Utah serviceberry, so plan on protecting it where deer roam.
