Amelanchier canadensis 'Rainbow Pillar' (Serviceberry)

Amelanchier canadensis, commonly called serviceberry, is a deciduous large shrub or small tree which typically grows to 15-20' tall in understory environments across eastern North America; noted for its upright growth habit (spreading to only 8-10') and vibrant fall foliage with good powdery mildew resistance, the 'Rainbow Pillar' cultivar was also selected for its reduced fruit production, making for less mess over time. Serviceberry features showy, lightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters in March and April, appearing before the leaves emerge. In late spring and early fall, flowers turn to small, dark purplish-black berries, though for 'Rainbow Pillar' less than 10% of the flowers will produce viable fruit. With their tidy, upright growth, 'Rainbow Pillar' is an excellent choice for a hedge or screen plant along paths or sidewalks where other serviceberry bushes might stain.

Amelanchier canadensis has wide light tolerance and tolerates salt and a variety of other soil conditions when provided with enough moisture; since serviceberry can tolerate such a wide range of conditions, it is a valuable addition to a variety of home garden and urban environments. With their lack of mature fruit, 'Rainbow Pillar' may not attract as many birds to the backyard garden, but the cultivar works well as a specimen and street tree with its vibrant red fall foliage. Amelanchier canadensis 'Rainbow Pillar' still has a ton of ornamental appeal and ecological value, and works well in restoration projects, in pollinator gardens, and for naturalizing in a variety of locations, and its foliage is still a huge draw for a variety of caterpillar species.