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March 29, 2024

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

Serviceberry is also known as known as juneberry and shadbush. It has showy white flowers that look like lilacs emerging early in the spring. How did serviceberry get its name? One story is that early settlers knew that the ground had thawed once the serviceberry bloomed and could begin digging graves using the flowers as part of the services. The seeds are edible, ripen in June, and taste much like blueberries. It is classified as a large shrub or small tree and can reach heights up to 45 feet. This particular tree is very large indicating a very fertile site.