Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis, Gatt. Pomac.: 25 (1890))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Koehne

Bibliography: Gatt. Pomac.: 25 (1890)

Year: 1890

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Amelanchier

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. & SC. U.S.A. to Mexico (Baja California Norte, Chihuahua)

Description

The Utah serviceberry, known scientifically as Amelanchier utahensis, is a notable member of the Rosaceae family. This resilient shrub is indigenous to the Western and South-Central regions of the United States, stretching as far south as Mexico, specifically Baja California Norte and Chihuahua.

First categorized by Koehne in 1890, as referenced in “Gatt. Pomac.: 25”, the Utah serviceberry has become a recognizable part of the flora in arid and semi-arid climates. It typically flourishes in environments that range from rocky slopes to scrublands, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability to different soil types and elevations.

The Utah serviceberry is characterized by its deciduous nature, with leaves that change color with the seasons, offering a picturesque display of autumnal hues. In spring, it produces clusters of delicate white flowers, which later give way to small, dark-purple berries. These berries are not only palatable to wildlife but are also appreciated by humans for their subtle sweetness and can be eaten fresh or used in culinary applications such as jams and desserts.

Moreover, Amelanchier utahensis plays a critical ecological role in its native habitats. It provides food and shelter for various bird species and other wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of these ecosystems.

Utah serviceberry’s ornamental appeal and ecological benefits make it a valuable addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects. Its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements further underline its suitability for sustainable landscaping practices in regions that face water scarcity.

In summary, the Utah serviceberry is a testament to nature’s adaptability and beauty, offering both ecological value and aesthetic pleasure to the landscapes it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: utah serviceberry, utah shadberry, western serviceberry
Deu: utah-felsenbirne
En: Utah serviceberry, Utah Service-Berry, Serviceberry (Utah), Western serviceberry, Utah shadberry
De: Utah-Felsenbirne
Nv: Kʼíníjíłʼahí

Synonyms

• Amelanchier rubescens var. cinerea (Goodd.)
• Amelanchier bakeri (Greene)
• Amelanchier florida var. oreophila ((A.Nelson) R.J.Davis)
• Amelanchier jonesiana (C.K.Schneid.)
• Amelanchier oreophila (A.Nelson)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. covillei ((Standl.) Jeps.)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. utahensis ((Koehne) M.E.Jones)
• Amelanchier elliptica (A.Nelson)
• Amelanchier australis (Standl.)
• Amelanchier rubescens (Greene)
• Amelanchier utahensis var. covillei ((Standl.) N.H.Holmgren)
• Amelanchier nitens (Tidestr.)
• Amelanchier purpusii (Koehne)
• Amelanchier venulosa (Greene)
• Amelanchier mormonica (C.K.Schneid.)
• Amelanchier utahensis subsp. oreophila ((A.Nelson) Clokey)
• Amelanchier prunifolia (Greene)
• Amelanchier utahensis subsp. covillei ((Standl.) Clokey)
• Amelanchier plurinervis (Koehne)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. oreophila ((A.Nelson) R.J.Davis)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. nitens ((Tidestr.) Munz)
• Amelanchier goldmanii (Wooton & Standl.)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. elliptica (C.K.Schneid.)
• Amelanchier crenata (Greene)
• Amelanchier covillei (Standl.)
• Amelanchier alnifolia subsp. utahensis ((Koehne) A.E.Murray)
• Amelanchier alnifolia var. venulosa ((Greene) Jeps.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 19, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Clint Parkhill (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by tica clarke (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Steph (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Steph (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2012 by EOL − Erica Krimmel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 14, 2001 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Zylstra, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 17, 2013 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2007 by EOL − Tony Frates (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3023964)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:721281-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Amelanchier utahensis Koehne)

Specifications

Growth