Common Serviceberry

(Amelanchier arborea)

Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Amelanchier arborea, commonly known as Common Serviceberry, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones across the Central and Eastern USA and Canada. It typically grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall with a trunk up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, featuring smooth, gray bark. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, with pointed tips and finely serrated margins, and emerge downy on the underside. In autumn, the foliage turns to shades of orange-yellow, pinkish, or reddish, providing seasonal interest. The white, perfect flowers are 15–25 mm (5⁄8–1 in) in diameter, borne on pendulous racemes in early spring, and are notably showy as they coincide with budbreak. These flowers are pollinated by bees and followed by reddish-purple pomes that resemble small apples, ripening in summer and attracting birds.

The Common Serviceberry is valued for its multi-season interest, including spring blossoms, edible fruit, and vibrant fall color. It is used in urban planting, as a border shrub, or for naturalizing in gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires well-drained soil with moderate moisture, and benefits from good air circulation. While it is adaptable to varying light levels, full sun is ideal for best flowering and fruiting. Propagation can be achieved through seed, divisions, and grafting. The fruit, though drier than some other serviceberries, is used in pies, jams, and even wine, continuing its historical use by Native Americans for bread-making. Gardeners should be aware of potential confusion with other species in the nursery trade.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 15-25 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones

Other Names

Common Names: Allegheny Serviceberry, Apple Shadbush, Downy Serviceberry, Shadblow, Downy Juneberry, Junebush, Shadbush, Sarvis, Amélanchier Arborescent, Amélanchier Arbre

Scientific Names: , Amelanchier arborea, Amelanchier intermedia, Amelanchier arborea var. arborea, Mespilus canadensis var. cordata, Amelanchier canadensis f. nuda, Amelanchier canadensis var. tomentula, Amelanchier arborea f. nuda, Amelanchier oblongifolia, Amelanchier ovalis var. subcordata

GBIF Accepted Name: Amelanchier arborea (F.Michx.) Fernald