Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

Allegheny serviceberry is one of the most spectacular spring-blooming native trees, and the birds know it before you do. In late March or early April, before the leaves fully open, white flower clusters cover every branch in a frothy display that lasts ten days to two weeks. Then the berries come in June. small, sweet, blueberry-like. and cedar waxwings, bluebirds, robins, and catbirds descend in groups to strip them clean. The multi-season payoff is real. Bronzy-purple new foliage emerges with the flowers in spring, matures to smooth dark green through summer, then turns shades of orange and red in fall. The bark is smooth and silvery gray, adding structure to a winter garden. This is a tree that works in every season and takes almost no attention once established.