Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) Facts:
General:
--Native to eastern North America, ranging from the Gulf Coast to southern Canada and west to Texas and Minnesota.
--Grows as a small tree or large shrub, typically reaching 15-25 feet tall but can grow up to 60 feet.
--Often has a multi-stemmed form with rounded crown and arching branches.
--Provides year-round interest with its flowers, fruit, and attractive bark in winter.
Leaves and Flowers:
--Leaves are simple, alternate, oval to broadly lanceolate, with pointed tips and finely toothed edges.
--Young leaves have a fuzzy underside that becomes smoother with maturity.
--Produces white flowers in drooping clusters in early spring, often before the leaves emerge.
--Flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fruit and Wildlife:
--Bears small, edible pome fruits that ripen from red to purple-black in late summer (June-July).
--The fruit is sweet and tart, enjoyed by birds and wildlife, and can be used in jams, jellies, and pies.
--A good source of food for birds during fall and winter.
Other:
--Considered a low-maintenance and versatile plant, suitable for gardens, borders, and natural landscapes.
--Tolerates a variety of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade.
--Relatively fast-growing with a moderate lifespan of around 30-50 years.
--Easy to propagate from seeds or cuttings.
--Provides habitat for various bird species and attracts pollinators.
Additional Notes:
--The name "Downy Serviceberry" refers to the fuzzy undersides of young leaves.
--Other common names include shadbush, juneberry, and serviceberry.
