I would consider both to be much more tree-like than shrubby.

I am also in Canadian zone 5, I have seen Amelanchiers for sale in both shrub and tree form, never planted one, have seen a beautiful tree specimen, never seen a shrub but that does not say much.

"Recently Autumn Brilliance has become prevalent on the market here, as though the production system at least has decided it is the top choice."

It does seem the hort industry operates that way. It's all about efficiency of production, or so it seems. I shouldn't lay blame solely with wholesalers. I'm sure retailers contribute to this pick-a-winner-and-go-with-it strategy. Hell, let's blame the consumer. They're creating the demand for it. ;)

Has anyone had success with amelanchier alnifolia? There's a nursery close to me that focuses on the edible garden and that is the one they sell (3 different varieties; Lee 8, Northline, Martin). They advertise them as being of a very decent eating quality (I think these are the serviceberries that are actually cultivated for food production). Good eating berry is a plus but I am also looking for good form, good fall color, and year-round interest. I guess I am wondering if amelanchier alnifolia is more of a "blue collar" harvesting variety and less of a landscape tree.

since you are talking multiples and groups... why not throw in one or two for food.. among the others for show ...

going one step further outside the box your in .... why not one of everything ....

as compared to how you 'seem' to indicate you are leaning towards all of one ...

of course.. if you did that.. then you would be the resident expert on A's...

ken

The berries are delicious, maybe even better tasting than blueberries. 'Regent' is the cultivar most commonly offered in these parts, but 'Obelisk' is the hot new Saskatoon Serviceberry. As you might guess, it has a very upright habit.

A few years ago I was at a local nursery and they had several 'Regent' plants in stock, all of which were fruiting heavily. I helped myself to the berries, which might be a breach of etiquette, but they sure were tasty. Any one else sample fruit off trees/shrubs while visiting a nursery?

They all fruit. But around here birds are often quick to get them, same as with blueberries and cherries.

good reason to buy a scoped air gun ;)

My Autumn Brilliance is not the same each fall, sometimes more orange-ish, but more often like the picture. Robins here snarf the fruit the second it is ripe...

very nice

(Ontario, zone 5a, Muskoka). I have 3 Canadensis, tree form. I can't say I've really noticed any beautiful fall colour. They sucker from the bottom of the trunk so I'm always pulling the suckers off. I live in a rural area so wanted them to blend in with the rest of my landscape, which is what they do. I like the flowers in the Spring though.

what colour do you get out of them Gargamel?

I get white flowers (too bad I planted them in front of my white house, darn it!)

i meant fall

I can't remember exactly. I'm always distracted in the Fall by the beautiful sumac. I guess they don't really stand out, or I would remember them since they're planted right outside my living room window. They are certainly not like the picture posted by Horster. I can say they are not something I would plant for Fall colour. I planted them 3 years ago...maybe they get better with age, like so many other things!

Anything purchased as Amelanchier canadensis should be checked for being true to name before being used as the basis for drawing conclusions about that species.

Why Amelanchier canadensis in particular? (Just curious)

Name has been used in commerce repeatedly for other species.