Serviceberry

The serviceberry is a small tree (25') or large shrub with a multi-trunk habit and a narrow crown. The leaves are ovate (1.5-3" long, 1" wide) with a fine toothed edge and are dark green. The young bark is smooth and silver-gray that becomes rough and furrowed with age. The Spring flower display is impressive - the tree becomes a cloud of 5-petaled, white 1/2" blooms that are clustered in 2-3" long racemes. If the beauty of the multi-trunked tree or blooms weren't enough to make this tree a top landscape and garden choice, its fruit will surely put this one on the top of the list. The fruit ripens early summer, hence the name "juneberry," and are a dark purple or black when ripe. The berries are wonderful to eat fresh, cooked, or dried. They have a taste similiar to a blueberry with an almond like finish.