Serviceberries
(Wide & Flat: Alternate Arrangement) |
| Amelanchier arborea (Michx.f.) Fern. and A. laevis Wieg. are small
trees, typically under 40' high. Also called Shadbush and Shadblow, names refering
to their blooming as the shad ascend rivers to spawn. Showy white flowers of Serviceberry,
seen through the still naked oaks, provide one of the first floral displays of
spring on Pennsylvania ridges. The fruits are excellent food for birds, bears
and other wildlife. Humans eat the berries fresh, or in pies, muffins or jam.
Seven shrub species of Serviceberry are also found in Pennsylvania. |