Serviceberry
Amelanchier spp.
Overview
Excellent native tree for residential landscapes, four-season interest, supports native wildlife and pollinators
Indigenous peoples relied on serviceberry fruits as important food source. Common name 'serviceberry' refers to early spring bloom coinciding with ground thawing enough to hold burial services
Identification
Leaves
Oval leaves with finely serrated edges, emerging with coppery tint. Excellent orange-red fall color.
Bark
Attractive smooth gray bark with vertical light and dark striping, ornamental in all seasons.
Flowers
Showy white flowers in drooping clusters appear in early spring before leaves fully emerge. One of first trees to bloom.
Fruit
Small berries ripen from red to purple in June-July. Edible and delicious, highly attractive to birds and wildlife.
🦆 Valuable wildlife food source
Growing Conditions
Climate
Excellent adaptation to Eastern Ontario climate, native to the region
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Light Requirements
Soil
Moisture: dry, moist
Drainage: well-drained
pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Tolerance
Care & Maintenance
Pruning
Best Season: February-April
Frequency: Minimal pruning needed
- Prune in February-April (late winter to early spring)
- Remove suckers if single-trunk form desired
- Thin older stems on multi-stem specimens
- Remove dead or crossed branches
Avoid: No specific restrictions
Watering
Establishment: Regular watering for first 2 years
Mature: Drought tolerant once established
Seasonal Care Timeline
Spring
- One of earliest trees to bloom
- Spectacular white flower display
- Important early nectar source for pollinators
Summer
- Fruit ripens in June-July
- Birds love the berries - may need netting for harvest
- Fruit drop can be messy on patios
Fall
- Outstanding orange-red fall color
- Leaf drop
- Good time for planting
Winter
- Attractive bark and branch structure
- Persistent seed heads provide winter interest
- Wildlife food source
Common Issues
Rust
LowFungal rust disease affecting leaves
Symptoms: Orange spots on leaves, Premature leaf drop
Treatment: Generally not necessary, mostly cosmetic
Prevention: Good air circulation, remove infected leaves
Borers
ModerateVarious borers can attack stressed trees
Symptoms: Exit holes in bark, Sawdust, Branch dieback
Treatment: Remove and destroy infested wood
Prevention: Maintain tree health, avoid stress
Quick Facts
When to Call an Arborist
Recommended inspection: Annual inspection recommended
- •Significant dieback
- •Borer damage
- •Structural problems
- •Decline in vigor
Free consultation for Belleville residents
Recommended Services
Based on Serviceberry characteristics