How to identify Canadian serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Canadian serviceberry, also known as Thicket serviceberry, Juneberry
Canadian serviceberry typically manifests as a large shrub or a small tree, reaching 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) in height. It stands out in early spring with clusters of showy, fragrant white flowers prior to leaf emergence. These flowers give way to edible, purple berry-like drupes that are favored by wildlife. The foliage of canadian serviceberry offers seasonal interest, with leaves that transition to vibrant reds and oranges in the autumn.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Showy white flowers in early spring, with 5 petals and drooping racemes.
Fruit transitions from green to red to purplish-black, small and berry-like.
Leaves are medium green, oblong with toothed edges, turning vibrant orange-red in autumn.
Reddish-brown hairy stem with slender, sturdy twigs and distinctive leaf buds.
Textured bark with long ridges and furrows, gray-brown coloration, reaching 1 foot in diameter.
Canadian serviceberry leaves are medium to dark green, measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long. These alternate, simple oblong leaves exhibit fine-toothed edges and are rounded at both the base and apex, with a small, sharp projection at the apex. Young leaves have fine hairs but become smooth as they mature. The undersides retain fine hairs. In autumn, the leaves transform to a striking orange-red color, adding to their distinctive appearance.
The flowers of canadian serviceberry are showy and slightly fragrant, featuring 5 snow-white petals arranged in an upright manner. Each flower cluster forms drooping racemes, typically measuring around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. These flowers, which boast up to 20 stamens, begin to bloom from March to April, emerging before the leaves. Perfect for early spring identification, their delicate petals and light fragrance make them a notable feature in their blooming season.
The stem of canadian serviceberry is initially hairy, transitioning to smooth with age. It is reddish-brown in winter, features long and pointed leaf buds with reddish-purple coloration. These buds have scales showing reddish-yellow to reddish-green margins and are usually covered in hairs. The twigs are slender but sturdy, aiding in identification and presenting a characteristic branching pattern that enhances its recognition.
The fruit of canadian serviceberry is a pome that undergoes a captivating transformation as it matures. Initially, the fruit presents a vivid green hue in its infancy. As it progresses towards ripeness, it adopts a striking red. Eventually, it reaches maturity with a dark purplish-black coloration, typically from May to June. The texture is reminiscent of a berry, and when fully ripe, it can offer a juicy and flavorsome experience. The fruits are small, not exceeding 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter, making them a delicate addition to the plant's foliage.
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Scientific Classification of Canadian serviceberry
