Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’ – Four Seasons of Beauty in One Tree

Jonna Semke
Sep 23
3 min read

Updated: Oct 6

Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Amelanchier × grandiflora) is a small tree with four-season appeal—from clouds of spring flowers and summer berries to brilliant red-orange fall foliage and graceful winter form. Ideal for Pacific Northwest gardens, it attracts pollinators, feeds songbirds, and thrives in a variety of soils. Whether planted as a specimen tree, a multi-stemmed accent, or in a wildlife-friendly landscape, this low-maintenance beauty adds both ecological value and ornamental charm.

Other common names for Serviceberry are Saskatoon berry and Juneberry. The fruit is absolutely delicious, akin to huckleberry or blueberry.

Description

Few small trees offer as much year-round interest as Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’. A hybrid between downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) and Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), this versatile tree earns its name from the spectacular red and orange foliage that lights up the garden each fall. But autumn color is just one of the many reasons it deserves a place in Seattle area landscapes.

In early spring, before the leaves appear, delicate white, star-shaped flowers cover its branches, creating a cloud-like effect. By early summer, those flowers mature into purple-black berries—sweet, edible, and beloved by birds (and people too!). Throughout the growing season, the fine-textured, blue-green foliage and graceful form add structure and elegance to the garden.

Ideal Uses

Specimen tree for small gardens or courtyards
Multi-stemmed accent in naturalistic or woodland plantings
Wildlife-friendly garden where birds and pollinators are welcome
Edible landscape for those who enjoy foraging fresh berries

Plant Profile

Botanical Name: Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’
Type: Deciduous small tree / large shrub
Height & Spread: 15–25 ft tall, 15–20 ft wide
Form: Multi-stemmed or single-trunk
Flowers: White, fragrant, star-shaped clusters (April)
Fruit: Purple-black berries (June)
Foliage: Blue-green, turning fiery red/orange in fall
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates a wide range
Zones: USDA 4–9 (perfect for Seattle and Camano Island gardens)

Maintenance Tips

Plant in well-drained soil and mulch to conserve moisture.
Water regularly the first few years to establish strong roots.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove suckers if a tree form is desired.
Netting may be needed if you want to harvest the berries before the birds do!

Design Notes for Serviceberry

‘Autumn Brilliance’ bridges the gap between ornamental beauty and ecological function. Its multi-season appeal makes it an ideal choice for small urban gardens where every plant must work hard. Plant it where you can enjoy its spring bloom and fall color from indoors—perhaps outside a window or near a deck. Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials like ferns, hellebores, or spring bulbs for a layered look.

Ecological Notes

The flowers attract bees and early pollinators.
The berries provide food for cedar waxwings, robins, thrushes, and other songbirds.
Native ancestry means it supports local ecosystems more effectively than many exotic ornamentals.

Beautiful serviceberry has exquisite red and orange fall leaf color — Beautiful Serviceberry 'Brilliance' has exquisite red and orange fall leaf tones

Cautions

Serviceberries are generally pest-resistant, but can be susceptible to rust or leaf spot in overly wet conditions.
If planted near lawns, avoid chemical sprays—birds and pollinators rely on the fruit and flowers.