Tree profile The leaves of True Service tree are odd-pinnate with fine leaflets. The leaves are up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long with 13 – 21 serrated leaflets. The single leafs are 3 – 6 cm (1.2 – 2.4 in) long.
The buds of the Serviceberry are slender with a pointed tip. The leaves are oval inshape, 4-8 cm (rarely 10 cm) long and 2.5-4 cm wide, with pointed tips and finely serrated edges. An easily identifiable characteristic for this plant is that the young leaves emerge soft and down-like on the underside.
Pests and Potential Problems
Serviceberry may be infected by many of the diseases common to plants in the rose family, nevertheless damage to the plant is mostly cosmetic (Bir, 1992). They may be infected by foliar diseases like leaf spot, rust, or powdery mildew.
Serviceberry reaches a mature height 15' to 30' tall with a spread of 15' to 25', and has an airy, rounded shape. Its bloom time is shorter than most flowering trees, with blooms lasting just 3 or 4 days but it makes up for the brief show of color in spring by making colorful leaves in the fall.
Serviceberries can be considered moderately messy. The berries themselves can drop and create a minor mess when ripe, attracting birds which can contribute to the mess under the tree.
Serviceberries are partially self-fertile, and will produce more fruit when two genetically different plants are planted in close proximity (less than 50 feet apart).
Maximum age: Serviceberry species are relatively short-lived, with an average lifespan of 30-40 years [4]. Ecology: Serviceberry hosts a wide variety of caterpillars, and its early-blooming flowers prodvide pollen and nectar to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds [1,4].
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
These can be for jellies, cobblers, or dessert toppings. These trees also have non-invasive root systems, which make them safe to plant near homes. They are able to tolerate full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Planting a Serviceberry is more than just gardening; it's a legacy. You're creating a habitat, a food source, and a pollinator paradise. Your choice supports biodiversity, making your garden a vital part of the local ecosystem.
A great choice for small yards because of its size, slow growth, and non-invasive roots, serviceberry prefers moist, well-drained acid soil, but will tolerate many soil types.
The Standing Ovation is edible, ornamental, and can be used for screening. Serviceberries are self-fertile so there is fruit with just one plant, but you will have to fight for it. Birds love them, as do mammals ranging from mice to bears. However, they are toxic to dogs and the deer tend to leave them alone.
The blooms are white and borne in drooping racemes or flower clusters. To some noses, serviceberry flowers are lightly fragrant. To others, like that of woody plant guru, Michael Dirr, they are “weakly malodorous.” Sources may disagree on fragrance, but agree on beauty.
Proper pruning replaces all the fruiting wood every 3-4 years. Removing one-third of old growth will allow for good fruit production.
Serviceberries can be eaten raw, cooked in puddings, pies and muffins, or used in combination with other berries as an extender. The berries can also be dried and used to replace raisins in recipes.
Also known as sarvis-tree, serviceberry may be derived from the word “sarvisberry,” as the fruit is like that of the sarvis tree or European mountain ash. Since it is a member of the rose family, downy serviceberry may suffer from rusts, blights, powdery mildew, leaf miners, leaf spot, borers and scale.
Serviceberry trees grow best in an acid to neutral soil in a range between 5.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale, though 5.0 to 6.0 is preferred. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
It was said that when the serviceberry bloomed, it was a sign the ground had thawed enough for graves to be dug to the proper depth and/or conditions had improved enough for circuit preachers to reach into deepwoods settlements to hold church services.
Downy or Common serviceberry (A. arborea), also known as shadbush, is native to northeastern United States down through Florida and across to Iowa. This slow-growing small tree can eventually reach 15 to 25 feet tall. The drooping clusters of white flowers bloom in early spring.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – This native shrub has beautiful white flowers in early spring, and edible berries, but it is usually left alone by deer. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus) – Smothered in white or pink blooms, all the many kinds of these beautiful trees will generally be left alone, as also will the fruits.
Serviceberries, sometimes called juneberries, are deciduous trees or shrubs found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with fruits usually ripening in June.
Pruning. Serviceberry can be treated as a large shrub with lots of branches or pruned to resemble a small tree.
Serviceberry trees need consistent moisture, especially during their first couple of years. Water weekly during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Mature trees withstand drought better, but periodic deep watering boosts fruit production.
Interesting Facts
It is thought that the name serviceberry came from the first settlers in New England held funeral services at the same time the tree began to bloom. It was a signal that the ground was thawed enough to dig graves11. It is sometimes called Juneberry since June is when its fruits ripen12.
Serviceberry roots typically reach an average depth of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). They can also spread horizontally, extending 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) from the base of the plant.