Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

Downy serviceberry is the most widely distributed serviceberry species in eastern North America, and for good reason. It grows on rocky ridges, forest edges, and stream banks from Maine to Florida. tolerating lean soils and dry conditions that would stress other flowering trees. The white flowers in March and April are stunning against bare branches, and the fuzzy new leaves that emerge at the same time give this species its 'downy' name. Fruit ripens to dark purple-red in June, slightly drier and less sweet than Allegheny serviceberry but still eagerly taken by birds. It typically grows as a large shrub or small multi-stem tree, making it easier to fit into residential landscapes where a fifty-foot canopy tree would be too much. Fall color ranges from yellow-orange to deep red depending on siting.