Plant of the Month - Archive
Serviceberry
Amelanchier Canadensis is known by many names; Canadian serviceberry is the most common, but it is also often referred to as Juneberry, shadblow, shadbush and shadbloom. It is a small understory tree or large deciduous shrub with many upright branches. It has an open crown, giving it a delicate appearance. It sets long-petaled, white blossoms early in the season and develops crimson, edible berries, which are coveted by birds.
Although this plant is a native around wetlands and bogs in the coastal areas of eastern North America, the serviceberries growing in dryer areas east of the Mississippi are frequently misidentified as A. canadensis.
Several different species of serviceberries are found in Michigan, but the most common are downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) and Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis). Either would be a good plant to add to your bird garden as they host needed insects, provide early fruit for species like waxwings and offer nesting sites.
Incorporate a couple of serviceberries that are native to your area in your landscape, then enjoy watching grosbeaks, catbirds, orioles, and cardinals devour the fruit once it is ripe.
When you search for serviceberry at a nursery, use the Latin name for the species native to your region so you can be certain you are getting the correct plant for our area.