SafePlants

Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

The Downy Serviceberry, scientifically known as Amelanchier arborea, is a beautiful and versatile plant that offers year-round interest. It's cherished for its early spring blooms, attractive foliage, and edible berries, making it a valuable addition to both gardens and natural landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

• Squirrels browse the twigs and leaves of the downy serviceberry.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fernald
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Genus: Amelanchier (from a French provincial name for Amelanchier ovalis, snowy mespilus)
• Synonyms: Mespilus arborea F.
• Taxonomic Rank Species
• Latin Etymology: arborea is Latin for "tree-like."

Common Names

• Downy Serviceberry
• Common Serviceberry
• Shadblow
• Shadbush
• Juneberry
• Sugarberry
• Sarvis
• Indian Cherry
• Downy Juneberry
• Sugarplum

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America, ranging from the Gulf Coast north to Thunder Bay in Ontario and Lake St. John.
• Found in northeastern United States down through Florida and across to Iowa.
• Common in woodlands throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
• Prefers well-drained sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching 15-25 feet in height, but can grow to 25-40 feet tall and spread to 20 feet. Can reach 10 m (32ft) by 12 m (39ft) tall.
• Moderate growth rate.
• Forms a narrow, rounded crown or a multi-stemmed shrub.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, and toothed.
• Light gray, smooth bark with distinctive longitudinal darker streaks.
• Showy, delicately fragrant white blooms in early spring.
• Small red berries in summer.
• Excellent fall color.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 4.

Ecological Role

• Fruit attracts birds.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Amelanchier comes from a French provincial name for Amelanchier ovalis, also known as snowy mespilus.
• Its common name "Serviceberry" is said to come from the time of year it blooms, signaling that the ground had thawed enough to bury the dead after winter.
• The Downy Serviceberry was chosen as Plant of the Year by GNPS members in 2005.
• It is noted as being one of the first plants to burst into bloom each year.

Further Information

• Arbor Day Foundation: The Tree Guide at arborday.org offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference.
• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens.