Amelanchier, a Tree with Many Names

A closeup of Serviceberry in bloom

Serviceberry is in bloom! While I call it Serviceberry, you may know it as Juneberry, Shadbush, or Shadblow. These are all common names for the Amelanchier genus. 

Serviceberry is an early-flowering tree (or large shrub) with white blooms in April and dark purple berries in June. In fall, its foliage explodes into shades from yellow to brilliant red, depending on the species. Since most are multi-stem, they make a beautiful form in the winter when covered with snow. Because they have multi-season interest, Serviceberries are well-suited as focal points in smaller landscapes. They’re also lovely when planted as a transition between tall trees and the lawn or garden to naturalize the space. 

Amelanchier canadensis, A. laevis, and A. arborea are native to the Eastern U.S. They naturally hybridize to create new fertile trees, so it can be difficult to sort out which species is which without a plant tag. A common cultivar is ’Autumn Brilliance,’ a hybrid of A. laevis and A. Arborea. A narrow shrub cultivar is A. alnifolia ‘Standing Ovation,’ a lovely choice for snug spaces even though it is native to the western and central U.S. 

Serviceberries are multi-stem, meaning they have a cluster of trunks.

What’s in a Common Name? 

Folklore has it that Amelanchier is called Serviceberry because it flowered at the same time that the ground thawed—a sign that communities could hold burial services for those who died over the frozen winter. Another legend is that it bloomed when the Appalachians were finally passable enough for traveling preachers to ride into town to hold church services. 

While there might be some truth to these name stories (who could say when a preacher shows up in the spring?), the Oxford English Dictionary lists the first written mention of “service trees” in Middle English in 1510. The literature of the day described these trees as early-flowering, fruit-bearing trees. It’s possible this common name was transported across the Atlantic with the English colonists. 

The other common names are less fanciful and more practical. It’s called Shadbush or Shadblow because of another sign of spring: shad fish spawn around the same time that Amelanchier blooms. Juneberry is also descriptive—it typically produces berries in June.

Food Web Benefits 

Because Amelanchier blooms in the spring, it’s an important food source for emerging beneficial insects. Birds love to snack on the berries, and so do small mammals and humans (if there are any left). It’s also a host plant for tiger swallowtails, viceroy, admirals, and striped hairstreak caterpillars.