Cumulus Serviceberry

Cumulus Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus')

Cumulus Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus') is an upright, refined cultivar of the native Allegheny serviceberry, prized for its strong central leader, narrow form, and ornamental elegance. Selected for street and residential use, 'Cumulus' offers a more columnar shape than typical serviceberries while retaining the seasonal charm of spring blooms, summer fruit, and fiery fall foliage. It's a dependable, low-maintenance option for spaces that demand vertical interest and native beauty.

Distinctive Features

'Cumulus' grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, forming a tall, upright silhouette ideal for street-side plantings or tight residential spaces. It produces showy, star-shaped white flowers in early spring, often before the leaves emerge. These blooms are followed by small red berries that ripen to purple-black in early summer, loved by songbirds. In autumn, the foliage shifts to shades of orange, red, and gold, adding another layer of interest to this well-behaved native tree.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; strongest flowering and fruiting in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils; tolerates clay and loam.
• Water: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture, especially when young.
• Humidity: Performs well in humid and temperate climates with good airflow.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; cold hardy and adaptable across a wide range.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Elegant upright form and multi-season interest make it a strong vertical accent.
• Street Trees: Narrow shape and salt tolerance make it suitable for boulevards and sidewalks.
• Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens: Spring flowers feed early pollinators; berries support birds.
• Foundation Plantings: Slim profile fits well in narrow spaces near buildings or pathways.
• Woodland Edges: Blends seamlessly into naturalized or lightly shaded settings.

Low Maintenance Care

Cumulus Serviceberry is easy to maintain and requires minimal intervention once established. Its tidy form and native durability make it well-suited for sustainable and low-input landscapes.

• Watering: Water deeply during dry periods in the first few years; becomes more drought tolerant with age.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape in winter if desired to maintain form or remove crossing branches.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring for best performance.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant, with improved resistance to rust and leaf spot.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; mulch root zone in late fall to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Why Choose Cumulus Serviceberry?

With its upright habit, refined appearance, and four-season appeal, Cumulus Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus') is a smart choice for modern landscapes where space, structure, and native beauty matter.

• Upright, Narrow Form: Perfect for narrow planting strips or small garden spaces.
• Early Blooming: White spring flowers brighten the landscape before most trees leaf out.
• Edible Summer Fruit: Attracts birds and adds edible interest to native plantings.
• Vivid Fall Color: Orange and red foliage lights up autumn landscapes.
• Adaptable and Durable: Handles urban conditions and a range of soil types with ease.

For vertical structure, seasonal interest, and native performance, Cumulus Serviceberry offers an elegant solution for both residential and urban plantings.