You can plant a small tree with edible berries that taste like a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. And not only that—it’s gorgeous year-round. In the spring, the tree is one of the earliest to flower with heavenly white bunches of delicate flowers. Enjoy snacking on its fruit in the summer. In the fall, its leaves turn fiery shades of orange and red. Serviceberries are so pretty—they are great for high-profile places like front yards. Why are serviceberries not everywhere? Scroll on for planting tips.
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Small Tree (15-30')
- Spring flowers
- Bird favorite
Dig Deeper
Explore the history, types, and where to plant native serviceberries
Table of Contents
If you are a fan of flowering trees (and who isn’t?), we have a tree for you. Meet the serviceberry. There are many species of serviceberry native to North America, each specific to a region and climate. Each of these trees offers gorgeous flowers in the spring, edible fruit in the summer, and fiery leaves in the fall. They are a must-plant alongside other flowering favorites like native dogwoods, magnolias, redbuds, fringe trees, and catalpas.
In this article, we’ll introduce a few species of serviceberry, along with their growing regions and attributes.
Let’s start with what this tree delivers.
What are the benefits of planting a serviceberry?
Serviceberries are North American native plants. Native plants have grown in their home area for thousands—sometimes millions—of years. Their DNA carries ancestral knowledge of their area’s soil, weather, and climate.
Planting native plants like serviceberries makes our landscapes gorgeous while helping the birds, butterflies, and animals (and helping save us time.) Here are four reasons why planting a native plant like a serviceberry is worth it:
- Help wildlife: without native plants, iconic animals like songbirds won’t have the food or homes needed to survive
- Save time and money: after the first year of getting established, native plants are happy with rain.
- Enjoy resilient beauty. Serviceberries are a perfect example of how beautiful and resilient native plants are—they are always the best choice for our gardens.
- Delicious to birds and people. Serviceberry fruits are edible for birds and people alike.
Why is it called serviceberry?
The word ‘service’ refers to church. The USDA states, “in some regions, the flowers are gathered for church services, hence serviceberry.” You can imagine early colonists seeing these bright, blooming branches and bringing them in to cheer the gloom of early church structures.
Native species of serviceberry
There are many native species of serviceberry, offering options to plant no matter where you live. Here are several species found throughout North America.
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
This is a tree for bird-lovers: 40+ bird species eat these berries. Downy Serviceberries are native to the entire eastern seaboard. They are called ‘downy’ because the undersides have a slightly fuzzy surface when their leaves first emerge.
Downy Serviceberries top out as a smaller tree at 30′ high, making them perfect for front yard, statement trees (they won’t get too tall and block your house.)
Canadian Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis
Canadian Serviceberries are one of the earliest plants to bloom in the spring. And contrary to its name, you can plant Canadian Serviceberries from Florida up to Canada—its native range is huge. Canadian Serviceberries get to be 20-30′ high.
Utah Serviceberry
Amelanchier utahensis
This is a tough and beautiful native tree! Utah Serviceberries grow in canyons, stream edges, and ridges of the Southwest. They need just 10-20″ of water a year to thrive. Native Americans used the fruits in many different meals. If you live in the southwest, this is a special, beautiful tree to plant.
Where can I find native serviceberries?
Sadly, finding specific native plants can be challenging—but we are here to make this step a little easier.
Here are four sourcing ideas for finding native serviceberries:
Where can I find seeds and plants?
Finding native plants can be challenging (we partly blame Marie Antoinette.) To make it easier, we’ve assembled four sourcing ideas.
Native Nursery List
100+ native nurseries makes finding one a breeze
Online Native Plant Sellers
We've included 100+ online resources to help
Society Plant Sales
Every state has a native plant society; find yours
Online Communities
Local Facebook groups are a great plant source
What other native trees have flowers?
There are SO MANY unique native flowering trees that will put gardens in your skies. Unlike non-native flowering trees, the native trees of North America require minimal effort to thrive. Our guide to native dogwoods and magnolias gives a good overview of some favorites. You can also explore Rebuds, Fringe Trees, or Franklin Trees.
What are other edible native plants?
If you’re looking to eat from your garden, you’re in luck: there are lots of edible native plants. Some favorites include Hackberries, Pawpaw trees, and Highbush Blueberries.
Serviceberries are a true unsung hero of North American trees and shrubs. Few plants offer the beauty, resiliency, and yummy treats that serviceberries do. Not only that—plant one and it will come back for generations. Planting native trees like serviceberries ensures that future generations and the iconic wildlife we love will have food and beauty for decades and decades. They deserve a spot in a highly visible place, which is why they’re on our Best Native Trees for Front Yards round-up Happy planting!
Sources
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens: A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, (2010), 229-230.
- USDA, Downy Serviceberry Plant Guide, (PDF).
- USDA, Canadian Serviceberry Plant Guide, (PDF).
- USDA, Utah Serviceberry Plant Guide, (PDF).
