Amelanchier arborea - Downy Serviceberry

Sizes available: rooted whip less than 3' tall

Basics: zones 4-9, full sun to part shade, 15-25' x 15-25', white bloom March-April, medium water needs to dry, well-drained, acidic soil. Clay tolerant, but does not like limey soils. Can grow in quite a bit of shade but will bloom less

Common names: Downy Serviceberry, Downy Shadbush, Junebush, Juneberry, Shadberry, Service-tree, Shadblow, Sarvis

Family: Rosaceae

Origin/Distribution: eastern North America, Maine native

Habitat: Woodland edge, open and rocky woods, ridges, and ledges

More: Amelanchiers are keystone trees and have high ecological value for numerous species of insects and animals. The fragrant flowers are an early pollen and nectar source. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, moose, mice, voles, fox, and black bear are some of the mammals supported by Amelanchiers. Birds supported include Cedar Waxwings, grouse, and woodpeckers. The berries, which develop in early summer and are called Juneberries, are food for over 40 species of birds and mammals, including humans who have used the berries in pies, jams, and wine-making, although the flavor and juice content of the berries can vary from tree to tree. The wood is hard and has been used for tool handles. Attractive fall color, Will sucker but can be pruned to a single stem. Amelanchier species can hybridize with each other.

Nursery: whips from Cold Stream Farm

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons