SafePlants

Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

The Utah Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry, shadbush, or sarvis, is a versatile plant native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has small berries that may be attractive to pets.
• Leaves and small branches may also be accessible.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has small berries that may be attractive to children.
• Leaves and small branches may also be accessible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amelanchier utahensis Koehne
• Common Names: Utah Serviceberry, Juneberry, shadbush, sarvis, Pale leaved serviceberry, Service berry, Utah service berry, Western serviceberry
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Amelanchier alnifolia var. oreophila
  • Amelanchier utahensis ssp. utahensis
  • Amelanchier alnifolia var.
• Etymology: The genus name "Amelanchier" likely originates from an old French common name. The species name "utahensis" means "of or from Utah."

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, including Utah.
• Found in varied habitats, including scrubby areas.
• Common along certain portions of the Truckee River.
• Studied in the Wasatch Mountains of central Utah.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching 3-15 feet (approximately 5m) in height.
• May be highly branched or grow in clumps.
• Bark is described as off-white.
• Foliage is green-grey, predominantly on the outer tips of the stems.
• Leaves are grayish, oval, and usually less than 1-inch long. Hairy, light-green leaves are finely toothed at the tips and turn yellow in the fall.
• Bears racemes of white flowers in the spring (April to May).
• Produces small red-blue to purple-black berries in the summer.

Ecological Role

• Provides food and cover for wildlife, improving habitat.
• The Utah Serviceberry is the most heat and drought-tolerant of the shrubby serviceberries.

Quirky Facts

• While often resembling a blueberry, the Utah Serviceberry prefers alkaline soil.
• The champion Utah Serviceberry of Arizona was listed as the largest known tree of its species by American Forests in 2005.

Uses

• Berries are used similarly to other serviceberries, including for preserves.

Further Information

• Information and photos can be found from Grand Canyon National Park.