Jennybelle Serviceberry

Amelanchier obovalis 'Jennybelle'. Slow-growing deciduous compact shrub reaching 8-16 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Elegant spreading growth habit, forms colonies via stolons. Self-fertile but sets more fruit with cross-pollination. Thornless. Profusion of snowy-white fragrant blossoms 1.5 inches across appear in May. Fruits ripen simultaneously in clusters in July. Light green foliage darkens through season before turning brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red in fall. Light grey bark adorned with charcoal striations remains attractive after leaf drop. Resistant to insects and fungal diseases common to other Amelanchier species. Drought-tolerant once established.

Medium-sized blue-purple-black pomme fruits up to 12mm diameter. Edible and sweet even before fully ripe. Fruits become edible as soon as they turn red and are not very tart. Flavor described as sweet almond-like, a mix between apple and blueberry. Flavor becomes more intense as fruits mature to purple color. Enjoyed raw or cooked in jellies, jams, pies, or dried. Rich in iron and copper.

Named after Jennybelle, daughter of Jack Rice of North Carolina. Select variety of Amelanchier obovalis (southern/coastal serviceberry). Small bush to 3.5 meters producing few suckers, easier to manage than species type. Plants fruit heavily and start to yield when young. Native to southeastern United States. Excellent for edible ornamental landscapes and hedges.