Shadblow Amelanchier

Serviceberry prefers acidic, evenly moist soils in partial shade, with some morning sun.  It will tolerate clay soil. 

It is one of the first to flower in the spring, just before the dogwoods.  The common name serviceberry comes because it blooms as soon as the ground starts to thaw, and it is blooming when people were able to dig graves and bury their dead after the winter.  It also derives the common name of Shadbush and Shadblow due to the fact that the masses of flowers tend to open at the same time that shad ascend the rivers in early spring to spawn.  

The flowers and later fruits dropping on the ground can be high maintenance.

It is a multitrunked shrub or small tree with a rounded crown.  In the wild, it can grow significantly larger than in the landscape.  It forms root suckers, and if allowed to grow, will result in the plant growing as a shrub rather than a tree.  Over time, the suckers will cause the plant to form a small colony.  Pruning should be done in the fall in order to avoid excessive loss of sap.

Often found growing in open woods, slopes, and bluffs.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fireblight, fungal leaf spot may affect the plants' overall health.  Rust and powdery mildew are also issues.  It becomes chlorotic in alkaline soils and does not tolerate wind.  Rabbits will often destroy the seedlings.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.