Amelanchier ovalis, commonly known as snowy mespilus[2] (a name which is also attached to the related A. lamarckii) or serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub in the family Rosaceae.

[7] There are two subspecies which can be distinguished by the number of chromosomes: Amelanchier ovalis is a thornless, summer-green shrub with an irregular spreading growth.

[6] Amelanchier ovalis can be found in prealpine and submediterranean climates reaching from colline to sub-alpine zones.

[7] A. ovalis prefers sunny, dry steep slopes, light oak and pine forests and semi-dry grasslands.

[7] Amelanchier ovalis grows in areas which are characterized by moderately dry alternating with moist conditions.

[12] Due to its pioneer features, Amelanchier ovalis is able to establish on nutrient poor and stony substrates, and can stabilize soils.

[15] A. ovalis can be infested by various species of rust fungi (e.g. Gymnosporangium amelanchieris), and consequently serves as a host plant.

A. ovalis is also a host plant of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora and is highly susceptible to it.

[12][15] Extracts from twigs, leaves and bark can be used for medicinal purposes, due to their richness in biologically active substances, such as polyphenols.