This family is characterised by fleshy fruits, with skin and calyx (shriveled remains of the sepals, style and stamens of the flower), containing pips (which are seeds). Etymology: the name " Amelanchier " is a Provençal word. Species: the Snowy Mespilus of Canada, Snowy Mespilus canadensis, is a tree reaching 20 m, while the Provençal is a shrub. Habitat: Snowy Mespilus does well in a good deep soil. It fears limestones. It prefers sunshine and heat. Hardiness: zone 5 (it supports cold until -29 °C or -20 °F ). The Snowy Mespilus of Canada is even more hardy: zone 4 (-35 °C or -31 °F).
Upright Form.
Blackish smooth bark. Slender stems sparsely leafy.
Deciduous foliage. Leaves (3 - 6 cm) almost ovoid to ovate, cordate at the base, finely toothed, dark green on the top, whitish hairiness on the underside. They are copper-coloured red in the bud, and again red in autumn.
White flowers with 5 petals spaced out, in often vertical clusters, from April, before leaves appearance.
Red fruit, possibly becoming dark blue, protruding (D 1 cm). Fruits are very appreciated by birds. Use: ornamental, very hardy shrub. Of its fruit, it is possible to make some jam or some jelly.