Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik.

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Canadian Serviceberry, Shadblow, Shadbush, Juneberry, Serviceberry, Sugarplum, Indian Pear, May Cherry, Shadwood, Shadblow Serviceberry, Downy Serviceberry, Eastern Shadbush, Swamp Sugar Pear, Chuckle Pear, Currant-tree, Thicket Serviceberry.

• Common names

  Amelanchier intermedia Spach, Amelanchier oblongifolia (Torr. & A. Gray) M. Roem., Amelanchier ovalis Medik., Crataegus amelanchier L., Mespilus amelanchier L., Pyrus amelanchier (L.) L. f.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Serviceberry is generally considered non-toxic to humans. In fact, the berries of the Serviceberry are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in cooking. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity from eating the berries or any other part of the Amelanchier canadensis plant. However, like with any plant material, individual allergies may occur, so if someone has a known sensitivity to other fruits or plants in the Rosaceae family, they should approach Serviceberry with caution.

• To pets

  Serviceberry is not known to be toxic to pets. The fruit of the Amelanchier canadensis is also eaten by wildlife and is safe for dogs and cats to consume. There are no documented symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting Serviceberry. However, ingestion of large amounts of the berries could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, which is common with the consumption of large quantities of any type of fruit. Owners should always monitor their pets when introducing new foods into their diet and consult a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)

• Spread

  15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Edible Fruit: The berries ("Juneberries" or "serviceberries") are sweet and edible, suitable for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and pies.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and habitat for birds, butterflies, and various pollinators which feed on the nectar, fruit, and insects attracted to the tree.
• Landscape Aesthetics: Adds ornamental value to landscapes with its showy white flowers in spring, medium green foliage in summer, and vibrant fall colors ranging from yellow to red.
• Erosion Control: This plant's root system helps to stabilize soil and control erosion, especially useful on slopes and in riparian zones.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively little care, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardening and natural landscaping.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Its structure provides nesting sites and cover for birds and small mammals.
• Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with its seasonal changes in foliage, flowers, and fruit.
• Native Plant Landscaping: As a North American native plant, it supports local ecosystems and can integrate well into native plant gardens.

Medical Properties

• Antidiarrheal: Amelanchier canadensis, commonly known as Shadbush or Serviceberry, has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea.
• Astringent: The bark of the Serviceberry has astringent properties and has been used in folk medicine.
• Antiseptic: Serviceberry plants have been used for their antiseptic qualities in traditional remedies.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Serviceberry trees can be utilized in woodworking to create small decorative items due to their hard, dense wood.
• Landscape architects often plant Serviceberry trees for their ornamental value, especially for their showy white flowers in spring.
• The berries of Serviceberry are used to make naturally-dyed fabrics, giving them a soft, bluish-purple hue.
• Serviceberry branches can be used in floral arrangements and wreaths, particularly when they are in bloom.
• Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use Serviceberry blossoms as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
• Photographers and painters often use Serviceberry trees as subjects for art due to their picturesque qualities.
• Bees keepers sometimes plant Serviceberry close to apiaries as their flowers are a valuable source of nectar for honey production.
• Bird watchers may plant Serviceberry in their yards to attract and observe a variety of bird species that feed on the fruit.
• The autumn leaves of Serviceberry, with their vibrant red and orange tones, are collected for crafts, such as leaf pressing or autumnal displays.
• Serviceberry wood chips are sometimes used in smoking food to impart a sweet, fruity flavor to meats and other dishes.

Feng Shui

The Serviceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Serviceberry is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: Amelanchier canadensis, commonly known as Serviceberry, is one of the early bloomers in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
• Hope: The white blossoms of Serviceberry signify hope and the assurance that after every winter comes spring, reflecting optimism for the future.
• Native American Heritage: Serviceberry has strong ties to Native American culture and symbolizes the plant's historical utility and reverence in indigenous traditions.
• Provision: As a plant that provides edible berries, Serviceberry stands for sustenance and the provision of necessities.
• Passage of Time: The changing seasons marked by the flowering and fruiting of Serviceberry represent the passage of time and life's impermanent nature.