Shadblow Serviceberry
Deciduous shrub or small tree growing 4.5-7.5 m tall. Produces white, five-petaled flowers in early spring, followed by edible purple-black berries in early summer. Features oval leaves that emerge with bronze tints, turning dark green in summer and orange-red in fall. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but adaptable to various conditions. Tolerates partial shade to full sun. Provides early season food for pollinators and birds. Suitable for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and multi-season interest in landscapes.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Time: Early-Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist-Drained to Wet
Phenology: Flower buds swell in early spring, blooming mid-late April before leaves fully expand. Leaves emerge coppery-purple, maturing to green by late May. Fruits develop green in May, ripening to purple-black in early July. Fall color begins mid-September with orange to red tones, leaves dropping by mid-October.
Wildlife Value: Exceptional wildlife value; berries highly sought by over 40 bird species including thrushes, waxwings, and robins. Early spring flowers provide critical nectar for native bees and early-emerging butterflies. Dense branching creates excellent nesting sites for songbirds. Larval host for several butterfly species including Red-spotted Purple. Fruits eaten by small mammals including squirrels and chipmunks. Winter buds browsed by grouse and deer.
Habit Over Time: Multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree that often forms colonial thickets through root suckers. Creates a loose, naturalistic silhouette with horizontal branching layers. New suckers emerge several feet from the parent plant, creating opportunities for companion plants between stems. Early spring flowers appear before leaves, creating a distinct seasonal moment.
Height: Tall (15-25 feet)