Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’
This tree profile is shared for educational purposes. Urban Forest Nursery does not currently grow this variety, but it remains part of ongoing discussions around urban tree selection.
UPDATE 2026: Although the serviceberry can be a beautiful tree when healthy, over the years we found them very susceptible to disease. Regular chemical application was the only way to keep them clean. UFN no longer grows these and instead grows other less problematic flowering trees like Crusader hawthorn and select flowering dogwoods.
Another excellent small ornamental tree selection is the ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Serviceberry tree. It is very useful and beautiful as both a single leader tree, as well as a large multi-stem shrub. The name Autumn Brilliance correctly describes the outstanding red fall leaf color, but equally spectacular is the burst of white spring flowers, followed by a small very dark colored edible berry. The bark is smooth and light gray. Serviceberry might reach 20′ to 25′ both tall and wide at maturity.
In both youth and maturity they can become twiggy, with many crossing and rubbing limbs. However, they respond well to corrective pruning and can develop into outstanding specimens of form and character. From our experience, they transplant rather easily, but do prefer a sandy loam, well-drained soil for optimum growth. If fact we have seen them sprout in the spring, wilt back from desiccation, then rebound strong with adequate watering.
They are a bit susceptible in certain areas to some of the fungal diseases, such as Rust, Leaf Blight, Fire Blight, and Powdery Mildew, so they perform best in production with some fungicidal treatment. However, out in the open as a street tree, or in the yard or garden where there is good air circulation, I have seen few problems. The one in this photo was planted in a small parking island in downtown Sumner, Washington about 5 years ago, and has performed like an arboretum specimen.
There are several other cultivars of the Amelanchier such as ‘Cole’s Select’, ‘Cumulus’, ‘Robin Hill’, and even a ‘White’ or ‘Rainbow Pillar’ with a tight multi-stem columnar form. The Autumn Brilliance is the most popular. I always appreciate any comments you have on this or other varieties you work with.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TREE PROFILES
Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
Still wondering if Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry is the right fit for your landscape or street planting?
Here are some common questions we hear from people considering this tree:
Although this serviceberry can be a beautiful tree, we found it very susceptible to disease in production. Maintaining healthy trees required regular chemical treatments, so we shifted to other flowering trees that are less problematic to grow.
It is a small ornamental tree, typically reaching 20–25 feet tall and wide. The spring flowers are white and abundant, followed by small, dark edible berries. In the fall, the leaves turn a striking red. Its form can be single-leader or multi-stemmed, and the bark is smooth and light gray.
Autumn Brilliance® Serviceberry can become twiggy with crossing branches, but responds well to corrective pruning to create a strong structure. It transplants easily and prefers sandy loam, well-drained soil. In areas with good air circulation, it performs better and shows fewer disease issues.
For a small flowering tree that’s easier to maintain, consider Crusader® Hawthorn, Golden Raindrops® Crabapple, or select Dogwood varieties. These options provide beautiful flowers without the high disease maintenance that serviceberries can require.