Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila
Ill. Handb. Laubholzk. 1: 739. 1906.
Shrubs, 1–2 (–4) m. Stems 1–50, solitary or in colonies. Leaves: petiole (7–) 11.9–19.1 (–27) mm; blade orbiculate to oval, (14–) 26–37 (–50) × (18–) 23–36 (–43) mm, base usually cordate to truncate, sometimes ± cuneate, apex rounded or subtruncate, surfaces glabrous. Inflorescences (6 or) 7–9 (–12) -flowered, (24–) 29–40 (–47) mm. Pedicels proximalmost (8–) 10–20 (–27) mm. Flowers: sepals (2.7–) 3.2–4 (–4.5) mm; petals obovate to elliptic, (9–) 10.9–11.5 (–12.6) × (3–) 3.8–5.2 (–5.9) mm; ovary apex glabrous (or sparsely hairy with a ring of hairs at base of styles). Pomes 8–9 mm diam. 2n = 4x.
Phenology: Flowering May–Jun; fruiting Jul–Sep.
Habitat: Mountain slopes
Elevation: 2000–3400 m
Distribution
Ariz., Calif., Colo., Utah, Wyo.
Discussion
The most distinctive features of var. pumila are that its leaves, pedicels, sepals, and ovary apices are glabrous (with the exception of a few hairs on emerging leaves and a ring of hairs around the base of the styles in some plants), and its leaf teeth are relatively long and sharp-pointed. This variety appears to be restricted to higher elevations.
Selected References
None.