Canadian Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis aka Canadian Serviceberry, Shadblow Serviceberry, Thicket Serviceberry. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Deer resistant. Adapts to moist or dry conditions but performs best in moist, well-drained soil. Salt tolerant.

Canadian Serviceberry Characteristics

Leaves: Medium-dark green leaves. Fall foliage is a blend of orange, gold, red and green.
Stem/Bark: Slender brown stems.
Flower: Slightly fragrant white flowers that emerge before it leaves. One of the first native shrubs to bloom in spring.
Fruit/Nut: Edible berries in June resemble blueberries in size and color and can be used in jams, jellies and pies.
Habit: Upright multi-stemmed. Removal of smaller shoots allows for training as a small tree.
Hardiness: Zone 3
Height: 15’ – 20’
Width: 8’ – 12’

Why grow native plants?

A native plant is defined as a species of fauna that was already established before colonization. There are numerous benefits to the use of Native Plants. Native plants have grown and evolved in a given area for generations and therefore are more prepared to face the elements. As a result they are much hardier and less finicky to care for. The wildlife in the area has also evolved along side these plants, and because of this has formed bonds with them. Most butterflies have a specific plant species from which they collect nectar for their offspring. There are many birds that will feed directly from local trees for seed, nectar or fruit, but won’t use the bird feeder you’ve bought to attract them. These plants also work together to grow as natural plant communities. Most of the trees won’t grow their leaves until after the wildflowers have had an adequate amount of time to flower before they’re covered by shade. Finally, of course, there is the fact that all of these plants and animals combine to make a sustainable, complete, functioning ecosystem. Why fight thousands of years of evolution?

Have questions about native plants? Post a comment and Ian will get back to you.