Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) Unity Grown

Amelanchier canadensis, commonly called serviceberry or Canadian serviceberry, is a native, deciduous, large shrub or small tree which typically grows to 15-25' tall across much of Northeastern North America. Typically found in forest understory environments, serviceberry features showy, lightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters which appear in March and April before full leaf set. In late spring and early fall, flowers turn to small, green berries which deepen to red and finally mature to red-purple or purple-black. Berries are highly sought after by small mammals and birds, but if the critters don't get to them first, they're also very tasty for humans too, with a flavor described as blueberry mixed with blackberry.

Amelanchier canadensis has wide tolerance of both light and soil conditions, even tolerating some salt content. Since serviceberry can tolerate such a wide range of conditions, it is a valuable addition to a variety of home garden environments as a fruit specimen tree or hedge plant, but also for restoration projects, pollinator gardens, and naturalizing in a variety of locations.