Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian Serviceberry)

Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian Serviceberry) is a dense, upright, multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with a delicate, dome-shaped crown. In mid-spring, attractive erect sprays of small, slightly fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers emerge just before the leaves. The blooms provide an early-season source of nectar and pollen for pollinators and other insects. They are followed by small, edible, blue-black berries in early summer. The fruits are used in jams, jellies, and pies and are also eagerly eaten by birds and other wildlife.

Serviceberry trees attract a diverse range of birds, including the American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and various warblers. Their nutritious berries are also eaten by small and large mammals, while the branching structure provides useful cover and habitat.

Canadian Serviceberry also serves as a larval host plant for the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) and the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). By supporting butterfly larvae, early-spring pollinators, fruit-eating birds, and mammals, Amelanchier canadensis can play several ecological roles in native gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

The foliage of mid-green, finely toothed, oval leaves turns to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The plant remains attractive even after the leaves drop, thanks to its elegant growth habit and light gray bark adorned with charcoal-gray striations. A terrific plant with four seasons of interest, Canadian Serviceberry is especially well suited to ponds, lakes, streams, wet woodland edges, and boggy or marshy ground.

• Grows up to 25-30 ft. tall (7-9 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun. Adaptable to both wet and dry sites and various soil types.
• Wildlife value: Supports Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae. The spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and other insects, while the berries are eaten by songbirds and small and large mammals.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free, but keep an eye out for fire blight.
• Perfect as a specimen plant, in hedges and screens, or on banks and slopes. It can also be used for erosion control. Excellent in naturalized or native plant gardens and along stream banks and ponds.
• Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings, or remove suckers in winter.
• Native to eastern North America.