Description & Range

PNW Native

Serviceberry ranges widely across North America, but Saskatoon, the western varietal, ranges along the west coast from Canada through California and inland into the Rocky Mountains. 

Serviceberry ranges from a small tree to large shrub, growing up to 6 m / 20 ft tall. Bark is a smooth grey to red brown, leaves are yellow-green to white brown in early autumn, alternate, oval or round with a noticeably-serrated upper half, and 2.5 - 5 cm /1 - 2 in long. Flowers are 

Ecology

"At least 40 bird species and several dozen mammal species eat the fruit of the Amelanchier genus. Mammals that use common serviceberry include squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, foxes, black bears, and elk.

Common serviceberry is the preferred food of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) during its larval stages. Common serviceberry has been known to increase in number and density after defoliation from gypsy moths ." [1]

"Many individuals within Amelanchier arise through hybridization and species boundaries are often not clear." [2]

Equity: Cultural and Historical Significance

"The wood is extremely heavy and hard and is occasionally made into tool handles. Cree Indians prized it for making arrows...

The fruits taste similar to blueberry – they are eaten fresh or cooked in pastries or puddings. The trees are used as ornamentals and many cultivars have been selected for variation in growth habit, flower size and color, and leaf color. The fall foliage blends orange and gold with red and green. It grows in partial shade to full sun, preferring moist but welldrained soil but will also grow in dry sites." [2]

Economics

"In areas where common serviceberry grows big enough, it is used for pulpwood." [1]