Amelanchier spicata (Lam.) K. Koch (N-Am.) – A very rare escape from cultivation but possibly under-recorded. Formerly more or less established in Brakel (Brakelbos) at least between 1886-1890 (probably gone now). By the end of the 19th century also recorded at the Sint-Pietersberg (probably Dutch part; see Ter Pelkwijk 1951). Since the 1990’s known from the nature reserve Houtsaegherduinen in De Panne (a single clone in coastal dunes). In parts of Europe Amelanchier spicata may become an undesirable environmental weed. Additional useful information on its potential invasive behaviour in Europe is provided by Kabuce & Priede (2010) and by Q-Bank at: http://www.q-bank.eu/Plants/BioloMICS.aspx?Table=Plants%20-%20Species&Rec=1098&Fields=All.
Amelanchier spicata was erroneously referred to A. confusa by Lawalrée (FG??…). Like Amelanchier lamarckii, it is surely of North American origin but apparently poorly known. Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. is very similar and has been recorded as an escape in Germany (e.g. Amarell & Welk 1995, Jäger & Werner 2005). Its leaves are less serrate and less hairy beneath and its calyx is patent to reflexed after anthesis (not erect as in Amelanchier spicata).
Selected literature:
Amarell U. & Welk E. (1995) Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ein unbeachteter Neophyt in Mitteldeutschland. Mitt. Florist. Kart. 20: 21-23.
Dobravolskaitė R. (2010) Distribution patterns and ecological effct of invasive alien species Amelanchier spicata on the semi-natural forest communities in Lithuania. XXIII Conference-Expedition of the Baltic Botanists. Abstracts & Excursion Guides: 13 p.
Jäger E.J. & Werner K. (eds.) (2005) Rothmaler Band 4. Exkursionsflora von Deutschland. Gefässpflanzen: Kritischer Band. Springer Verlag, Berlin: 880 p.
Kabuce N. & Priede N. (2010) NOBANIS – Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet – Amelanchier spicata. – From: Online Database of the North European and Baltic Network on Invasive Alien Species – NOBANIS www.nobanis.org.
Ter Pelkwijk A.J. (1951) Over de benaming van enige Amelanchier-soorten. Nederl. Kruidk. Arch. 58: 37-47.