Description

Also known as Shadblow Serviceberry due to its bloom time occurring when the American Shad fish swims upstream to spawn. Fragrant white flowers adorn this deciduous large shrub, and ripen into crimson-purple berries that have a nutty, huckleberry flavor. The berries can be eaten raw or cooked in pies. Serviceberry is also known for its brilliant shades of orange-red in autumn.

Its berries are eaten by songbirds as well as mammals both large and small. Serviceberry is a host plant for some very attractive butterflies – the Viceroy, which looks very similar to the monarch, and the Red-Spotted Purple (pictured above). Serviceberry is a great specimen plant for your yard – not only is it lovely to look at, but it can provide a snack to both you and the wildlife in your neighborhood.