Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' (Cumulus Serviceberry)


Michael's Opinion

A beautiful ornamental that gives a bright contrast to any landscape. Whether it be through the flowering season of spring, the vibrant berries of summer, the autumn foliage colour or the interesting bark and branch colour in the winter, this tree adds significant ornamental interest to a landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusAmelanchier
Specieslaevis
Cultivar'Cumulus'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginFirst introduced to Princeton Nurseries in New Jersey, USA. Original Serviceberry species can be found natively in Eastern North America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The berries are edible and can be used for jams and pies.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 4b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-39) - 21
Temperature (°F)(-38) - 70
Height8 - 9 m
Spread5 - 6 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe Amelanchier laevis ‘Cumulus’ is a short tree with white, fragrant, glabrous pediceled flowers that are showy but short lived, which produces red pome berries. The berries turn black later in the season. The tree has deep red and brown, smooth, and striped bark.
ID CharacteristicThe flower, fruit, and bark are the three main features of the Cumulus Serviceberry are key when identifying. The flowers are clustered, with white, separated oval shaped pedals, yellow centres, and small, black stamens. The berries are red, dark purple, or black, depending on the season. The bark of the stems is red-brown with horizontally staggered beige stripes.
ShapeUpright growing, pyramidal and oval profile with white flowers covering the entire canopy in spring.
LandscapeAmelanchier laevis ‘Cumulus’ is a great specimen tree or shrub depending on the intended purpose. It looks great in parks, gardens and can be grown in tight spaces because it grows quite upright.
PropagationPropagation temperature is around 21°C (70°F). Propagation occurs best when seeds are fully formed and green. The seeds must be placed in pots outdoors before they harden. 4 weeks of warm weather followed by a winter cold spell. Germination will occur in the spring. Once germination occurs, they can be placed in a permanent spot once 20 cm tall or more.
CultivationPrefers full sun or partial shade, moist soil, and regular pruning helps with the aesthetic. Prefers pH levels between 6.0 – 8.0 with clay, loam, or sand for soil medium and is semi-resistant to air pollution and salt contents.
PestsOccasional rust spot, power mildew, and fire blight may occur.
HabitatHorticulture origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark on the stems is a red-brown colour with horizontally staggered beige stripes.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds of the leaves are silvery and fuzzy and are shaped like an arrowhead with yellow tips.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are green and ovate in shape with dentated margins.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are clustered, with white, separated oval shaped pedals, yellow centres, and small, black stamens.
Fruit DescriptionThe berries are red, dark purple, or black, depending on the season. They are oblate and round in shape.
Colour DescriptionFlowers are consistent white during the spring. The fruit will slowly change from red to a near black. The bark will turn grey when matured. The leaves will turn red in autumn.
Texture DescriptionThe texture of the Cumulus Serviceberry is medium.

Photographs