Species Cusick's Serviceberry
yellow-green fruits, orange-green leaves on green petioles and brown stems

Cusick's Serviceberry

Amelanchier cusickii

Cusick's Serviceberry (Amelanchier cusickii) is a deciduous shrub native to the western United States. It is a wide-spreading bush with branches that reach up to 10 feet in height and width. It produces edible fruits that are small, dark purplish-black berries in June and August. The leaves are oval, serrated, and turn yellow in the fall and winter. This plant tolerates drought and acidic soils, making it an ideal planting option for many gardens. Its dense foliage provides year-round interest in the garden and its blossoms provide a beautiful contrast in summer. Cusick's Serviceberry is a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes and wildlife gardens.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

blue,purple Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cusick's Serviceberry should be watered thoroughly and regularly. During the active growing season (spring and summer), it is recommended to water the plants every 7 to 10 days, making sure to apply enough water to saturate the root zone. During periods of drought, increase the frequency of watering and decrease the intervals between waterings. In the winter, abstain from regular watering, but be sure to check up on the plants during dry spells and water as necessary.

sunlight

Cusick’s Serviceberry (Amelanchier cusickii) needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight in order to thrive. This deciduous plant prefers to receive full sun during the morning and a partial shade during the late afternoon to avoid any harsh direct sunlight. During cooler and shorter days, this species may need a few more hours of sun. In general, Cusick’s Serviceberry should be placed in full sun to partial shade.

pruning

Pruning Cusick's Serviceberry (Amelanchier cusickii) should be done in late spring, just after flowering is complete. Pruning should be light; the branches should be thinned to open up the canopy and remove any dead, diseased, or weak limbs. Selective pruning is best so that 1-third of the branches are removed to increase air circulation. For more productive fruit crops, the branches should be thinned further to remove old and unproductive wood. It is not necessary but can be beneficial to remove thin branches that may be crossing or growing towards the inside of the plant. Routine pruning is not necessary, but it is best to do a light trim at the end of the season to remove any excess or deadwood.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Amelanchier cusickii typically begins in late June and continues through August.