SafePlants

Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

The Canadian serviceberry, also known as shadblow serviceberry or Juneberry, is a versatile plant offering beauty and ecological benefits. With its showy spring flowers and edible summer fruit, it provides multi-seasonal interest for gardeners and sustenance for wildlife.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces berries, which may be attractive to pets.

Common Names

• Canadian serviceberry
• Shadblow Serviceberry
• Juneberry
• Shadblow
• Shadbush
• Chuckleberry
• Currant-tree
• Shadbush Serviceberry

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik.
• Family: Not explicitly mentioned, but belongs to the Rosaceae (Rose) family. (This is based on general knowledge of Amelanchier species, though the provided text does not state this.)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Amelanchier canadensis var. subintegra, Amelanchier lucida

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, specifically the eastern United States and Canada.
• The specific epithet "canadensis" indicates its presence in Canada.
• It thrives from Canadian border regions to the Southern United States.
• Often found as an understory tree or large shrub in clumps.
• Prefers shaded woodlands, sometimes found in display gardens.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically multi-trunked.
• Can grow to 6 meters (19 feet) tall and 3 meters (9 feet) wide. Some sources suggest it can grow larger, up to 30 feet.
• Grows at a medium rate.
• Oval, rounded form with dark green foliage.
• White flowers bloom in April-June.
• Produces red to purple fruits in June-July.
• Leaves stay green in fall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
• Provides food for Canadian birds and beneficial insects.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Shadblow" refers to the plant's flowering coinciding with the annual shad run.