How to identify Common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

How to identify Common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Common serviceberry, also known as Shadbush, Juneberries

Common serviceberry showcases a deciduous habit with a typical mature height of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters). Its branching structure forms an upright, spreading canopy. Leaves of common serviceberry are simple, alternately arranged, oval to oblong with fine teeth on the margins, and exhibit a downy texture underneath. In spring, the plant is adorned with clusters of delicate white flowers. By late summer, it bears small, round, edible fruits that transition from red to dark purple as they mature, each typically under 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common serviceberry

Deciduous plant with simple, oval leaves showcasing fine teeth and downy texture beneath.

Presence of drooping racemes bearing star-shaped white to pink flowers in early spring.

Transitioning fruit from green to dark purple-black, self-fruitful and resembling highbush blueberries.

Leaves ranging from purplish-brown to light green, featuring pointed tips and varying textures.

Trunk bark transforms with age, transitioning from smooth to rugged furrowed texture.

Detailed Traits of Common serviceberry

Leaf Features

The leaves of common serviceberry are slender-stalked, ranging from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. Initially purplish-brown, they mature to a light green color. Young leaves exhibit a hairy texture on the underside, reminiscent of a pussy willow. As they age, the hairs diminish but may still be present at maturity. The leaves are characterized by their pointed tips and the subtle transition in texture and color as they develop.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Obovate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of common serviceberry are arranged in drooping racemes of six to fourteen star-shaped blooms. Each flower is white to pale pink, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with five petals. They appear in clusters ranging from 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8 cm) long, either before or alongside the emergence of leaves. The blooming period is from March to April, making the flowers of common serviceberry a notable early spring feature.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of common serviceberry begins as small, fleshy green apple-like berries that mature through red to a deep purple-black. Observable from May to August, these succulent fruits measure roughly 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are borne on the plant in a self-fruitful manner, negating the need for a pollination partner. The flavor profile of these berries is akin to the highbush blueberry, yet they are noted for a slightly sweeter taste, making them a delightful find for those exploring the flavors of indigenous fruits.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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