Amelanchier alnifolia Obelisk

The 'Obelisk' Amelanchier is a variety of alder-leaved Amelanchier that is interesting for its naturally fastigiate growth, which is very graphic, rarely exceeding 5m (16ft 5in) in height and only 1.5m (4ft 11in) in width at maturity. This small fruit tree is both delicious and ornamental, producing a abundant white spring flowering from a young age that almost covers its branches. Then come the leaves, which are a beautiful bluish-green colour, and finally, in early summer, the clusters of black-blue fruits, juicy, sweet and aromatic, both tasty and nutritious. Amelanchiers are easy-to-manage shrubs or small trees that are very rewarding. 'Obelisk' is no exception to this rule, and its narrow habit is perfect for small gardens.

Native to North America, Amelanchier alnifolia is a sturdy shrub in the large Rosaceae family, spared by most parasites and resistant to extreme cold. In nature, it can be found along watercourses as well as in much less favourable environments, such as windy rocky slopes. It is a plant that prefers slightly acidic and cool soil, but it is accommodating and capable of adapting to relatively dry and hot summers once established. This species, A. alnifolia, is one of the few in the genus that can tolerate moderately limestone soils. However, to obtain a good harvest, it is advisable to provide it with fairly fertile soil and water if necessary.

The cultivar 'Obelisk', selected in 1994 at the Kalmthout Arboretum in Belgium, has a columnar, upright and narrow habit. Its branches are tightly packed around the main branches. With a relatively slow growth, the shrub will reach a height of about 5m (16ft 5in) and a width of 1.5m (4ft 11in) at maturity, depending on the growing conditions. The flowering is remarkably abundant in April-May, at the tips of the bare or already adorned young branches, depending on the climate. The white flowers with 5 petals and yellow stamens, 2cm (0.8in) in diameter, are grouped in clusters along the branches. They are followed by edible fruits the size of blueberries, globular, called pyridions. They start off a deep blue and then turn black when ripe, in June-July. Their pleasantly sweet and aromatic flavour and juicy flesh make them suitable for both fresh consumption and cooking, as jam or jelly. The young spring leaves are very hairy, then become tougher. They have a beautiful bluish-green colour and turn yellow in autumn before falling. Measuring up to 6cm (2.4in) in length, they are entire, oval-shaped, with toothed edges, arranged alternately on the branches.

The 'Obelisk' Amelanchier is a sturdy fruit shrub, as undemanding as it is charming, with a small footprint, which deserves a place in a rustic, free or fruit hedge. It is also used as a background for herbaceous borders or in rows along narrow paths. It pairs wonderfully with ornamental apple and cherry trees, deciduous spindle trees, Japanese quince, spring-blooming spiraeas, hawthorns, medlars, prunus and many others. Create a fruit hedge by combining it, for example, with the May berry (Lonicera kamtschatica Sweet Myberry), garden blackberries, currants, gooseberries, cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), blueberries, raspberries, Aronia, Japanese goumi, black elderberries...