Amelanchier canadensis

Product Info

Eastern Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Rose Family

Serviceberry is a small, fruit bearing, deciduous tree that is one of the first to bloom in spring, providing essential nectar for emerging bees and butterflies. Fruits are akin to blueberries, prized for their deep purple color, nutritional value, and flavor. Over 35 species of birds, including songbirds, come to enjoy the fruits as well. Serviceberry is an understory tree that often grows in bogs and thickets, preferring moist, well-draining soil, but will tolerate other soil types. The leaves turn bright red, orange in the fall, offering 3 season interest. They add gracefulness and vital ecological benefit to a pollinator garden, and can also thrive in an open woodland or near a stream or pond. 

Blooms: Pink-White drooping racemes bloom for about 2 weeks in early spring (March-April)
Leaves: Green leaves 1-3" in length emerge after flowers. Orange-burgundy fall color
Height: 15-25'
Space: 15-20'
Soil: Ave-Moist
Exposure: Part Sun-Part Shade
Fauna: Flowers support butterflies and other native insects, fruits feed songbirds and mammals (including humans!). Host plant for Viceroy and Red-Spotted Purple butterflies.
Seeds: Edible fruits turn dark purple when ripe, May-June
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Zone: 3-8
Native Status: NC native, common in the Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont, rare in the Mountains
Provenance: NC, seed grown