Irga: a large bush tree

Irga serves as both a fruit tree and a beautiful plant. It adds visual appeal to any garden. While not widely grown in Russia, many gardeners want at least one irga bush.

About 25 types of irga exist. Seedlings can be bought and grown. Irga is sometimes called "currant." It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Its international classification is Amelanchier. Most irga varieties come from America. The plant also grows in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Irga's botanical look changes by variety. Sizes differ as well. Some shrubs grow up to 20 meters tall. Dwarf types stay below 20 cm.

Almost all seedlings bloom. Blooming starts in spring. It can start in April-May or May-June. Many tiny flowers cover each branch, making it look delicate. Flower stalks grow in small groups at the shoot ends.

Flowers can bloom before leaves appear. Often, flowers and leaves bloom together. Buds are pointed and brown. Five petals make up each flower. Most flowers are white. Some types have pink or red petals.

Leaves are round or oval. Edges are smooth. Leaf blades are also smooth. Many veins run through them. Leaves grow on long stems, one at a time. Leaf tops are often dark green. Bottoms are paler or light green. In fall, leaves turn yellow-red or red.

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