Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Description:
There are many names (Saskatoon, Indian pear, shadbush) and varieties of this species. Hybrids can also form when two varieties interbreed. Height can vary from a 2 foot (60 cm) spreading shrub to a 25 foot (7.6 m) or more tree. Positive identification may be difficult, but the species itself is easy to recognize. Bark is light gray streaked with darker vertical lines. The smooth young bark becomes more flaked with age. Serviceberry is one of our first shrubs to flower, with striking white flowers in May before the leaves have even fully developed. In July and August, edible berries turn dark purple and are sweet and juicy. Leaves are oval to round and usually toothed. Slender twigs bear long, pointed buds.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) leaf.

Growing Conditions:
Serviceberry can be found growing in most conditions, except where extremely wet or the deepest shade. It grows best in full sun and on moist, well-drained soil but can be found along roadsides, invading abandoned fields, in existing windbreaks and in woodlands.

Serviceberry flower.

Propagation:
While serviceberry can be grown from cuttings, it is seldom worth the effort. Seeds are easily collected and germination is usually quite good. Collect ripe berries during July and August and place in a small pail of dry, clean, sifted sand. Crush berries with your hands while mixing with sand. Sift mixture through a window screen, remove larger pieces of fruit. Plant this mixture of seeds and pulp into rows in the nursery, trying to get about 3 seeds per inch (2.5 cm). If you just planted the berry, which has several seeds, the fruit would probably ferment and heat up enough to damage the seeds. Seeds should be planted as soon as possible and will germinate the next spring. Germination is usually less than 50%, but growth is rapid, averaging about 1 foot (30 cm) per year.

Serviceberry shrub.

Wildlife Uses:
One of the most important food sources for birds, especially those fattening up for fall migration. Berries are a preferred food of northern flicker, blue jay, American crow, gray catbird, American robin, hermit thrush, Swainson's thrush, veery, Bohemian waxwing, cedar waxwing, American redstart, northern oriole and evening grosbeak and eaten by over 30 other species. Red squirrel, chipmunk, flying squirrel and red fox are also fond of the fruit, while in winter the twigs and buds are browsed by snowshoe hare and red fox. Ruffed grouse also eat the buds in winter. Serviceberry's early flowering in spring makes it an important initial source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects.

Areas of Usage:
Since it has very attractive flowers and foliage, serviceberry is well suited for plantings around the home. This will allow you to get a fair share of the tasty berries before the local wildlife have a feast. They make excellent pies, wine, and preserves, so perhaps you might want to plant more than one. These plants fit in well anywhere they can get enough sun to bear fruit, although larger specimens are even found bearing fruit in forests. They do well in windbreaks, roadside plantings and along the banks of streams and ponds. They are resistant to air pollution and suitable for urban plantings.

From the Nursery:
The Macphail Woods operates a native tree and shrub nursery and offers many native trees and shrubs at affordable prices. Check out:

• Macphail Woods Nursery Catalogue
• Why Plant Native Shrubs?
• Growing Native Shrubs
• How to Plant Trees and Shrubs
• Tips on Transplanting



Serviceberry leaf and fruit.



Serviceberry winter twig.

This series of webpages is based on the booklet "Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island Growing and using fifteen favorite shrubs for: wildlife enhancement, erosion control, windbreaks, landscapes and much more" written by Gary Schneider. If your interested in receiving a hardcopy of this booklet, please see our publications page.

We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an opportunity to learn more about PEI native shrubs. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.

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