European Currant Tree by tiny brok

About "European Currant Tree"

by tiny brok

About the artwork

The European currant tree (Amelanchier ovalis) is a 1 to 4 m high shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae).

It is the only species of its genus that occurs naturally in Europe. The species also occurs naturally in the Caucasus and North Africa[1]. In Europe, the species is mainly found in mountainous areas. This species thrives on dry, warm growth sites on base-rich soil with little organic matter[2]. The thermophilic species becomes more common in France towards the south[3].

The underside of its green leaves is covered with fine hairs[2], an adaptation to dryness. The fine hairs give the underside of the leaves a grey-green to white appearance. The inflorescence consists of an upright, hairy, terminal raceme with three to nine white flowers. This species has the largest flowers of all currant trees. The fruits are blue-black berries with a crown on top. The fruit is juicy and sweet and therefore very popular with birds.

The European Union Currant Tree does not occur naturally in the Netherlands[1][4]. On the other hand, the American grapevine (Amelanchier lamarckii) does occur in the Netherlands[5]. This exotic species became established at the beginning of the 20th century and is found mainly in calcium-poor sandy soils[6]. In sharp contrast to the European currant tree, the American currant tree grows well in humid, slightly damp sites in partial shade. Such sites can be found, for example, in Drenthe. An obsolete name for the American Currant Tree is 'Drenthe Currant