Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)

Early-flowering, Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree of rounded habit boasting a profusion of 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in early to mid-spring. Borne in drooping clusters, they appear before the leaves emerge. They are attractive to pollinators and followed by small, round, tasty, dark purplish-black berries in early summer. Resembling blueberries in size and color, they taste like those of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and are often used in jams, jellies, and pies if not eaten by the birds.

Serviceberry trees are a beacon for a diverse array of bird species, notably the American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and various warblers. With their nutritious berries and welcoming branches, serviceberries provide vital sustenance and habitat.

The foliage of finely-toothed, obovate leaves emerges covered with soft, woolly hairs that disappear as the leaves mature (hence the common name). Rich green in summer, the leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), turn fiery shades of yellow, orange, apricot, or dusty red in the fall. The smooth, gray bark is streaked with longitudinal fissures and provides an excellent effect in winter. Native to eastern North America, Downy Serviceberry grows on a variety of sites, from swampy lowlands to dry woods and sandy bluffs. It also grows on rocky ridges, forest edges, and open woodlands and fields. Very easy to grow, Downy Serviceberry provides year-round interest in the garden and is most effective in naturalistic plantings and along wood edges, ponds, and streams.

• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall and wide (4-8 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soils. Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun. Tolerant of a somewhat wide range of soils, including loamy, sandy, or rocky.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free, but keep an eye out for fire blight.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or shrub borders. Great in naturalized or native plant gardens and along ponds and streams.
• Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to eastern North America.