What Is a Serviceberry Bush?

Serviceberry bushes (Amelanchier spp.), also called Juneberry or shadbush, are large deciduous ornamental bushes or small trees that vary in size and form depending on the species. These plants, which are native to North America, are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 through 9. Gardeners plant them as border shrubs or specimen plants, or use them to attract wildlife. Serviceberry bushes offer year-round ornamental appeal, as well as yielding an edible and flavorful berry that works well in jellies and pies.

Trunks, Twigs and Leaves

Most types of serviceberry bushes are multi-trunked. Their bark color varies from tan to pale gray; some varieties also have dark lines on their branches and trunks, and most have reddish-brown twigs that grow in a zigzag pattern. The leaves vary in shape from oval to oblong depending upon the species, with finely serrated margins. Young serviceberry leaves are purple or greenish-gray, but mature to medium or dark green. Serviceberry offers an attractive fall foliage display when its leaves change to orange, yellow or red, and the silvery bark adds to winter interest.

Flowers and Berries

Serviceberry is one of the earliest bushes to produce flowers each year. Early in the spring, hairy, silvery flower buds emerge before the leaves. These buds remain closed for two to three weeks before opening into clusters of showy white blossoms. The petals usually only last between one day and one week, quickly falling from the tree as the foliage begins to appear. Heavy clusters of small, round, green berries replace the blossoms. The green gives way to red, blue, purple or black as the fruits mature. Serviceberry fruits vary in size between 1/4 and 3/8 inches in diameter depending on the shrub variety.

Types of Serviceberry Shrubs

Amelanchier alnifolia "Regent" or regent serviceberry is an early-flowering shrub that grows best in zones 2 through 7. Also called alder-leaved serviceberry, it usually reaches heights of 4 to 6 feet with an approximately equal spread and yields rich purple berries. Amelanchier canadensis or shadblow serviceberry grows between 6 and 10 feet high and produces sweet black berries. This species is available in a number of cultivars including "Spring Glory," "Rainbow Pillar" and "Tradition." Amelanchier arborea, or common serviceberry, is a small tree or tall shrub that reaches heights of 15 to 25 feet. Sometimes called the downy serviceberry, a coating of soft hair covers its emerging leaves.

Cultivation and Potential Issues

Serviceberry shrubs or trees grow best in partial shade. These hardy plants can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, but they thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained, moist acidic soil, with regular amounts of water. Serviceberries do not do well in soggy or poorly drained soil. They benefit from an occasional pruning after they have bloomed to remove dead or dying branches. Several diseases such as fire blight and leaf spot occasionally infect serviceberry plantings. Borer insects sometimes burrow into the wood and create tunnels below the bark, weakening the internal structure and killing limbs or entire plants. Heavy infestations of sap-feeding pests such as aphids and spider mites can speckle, yellow or distort the foliage.

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