Serviceberry

Serviceberries, also known as Juneberries, are small, sweet fruits that resemble blueberries and are perfect for fresh eating, pies, jams, or baked goods. These native shrubs or small trees grow 5-7 feet tall and wide, thriving in full sun or partial shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In spring, serviceberries bloom with white flowers, followed by sweet, blue-purple berries that ripen in early summer, making them a perfect early-season treat for both gardeners and wildlife.

Native to North America, serviceberries were a staple food for Indigenous peoples, who used the berries fresh, dried, or cooked into pemmican. The fruit was valued for its sweetness and its ability to provide nourishment during the early summer months when other foods were scarce. The flowers of the tree were also used in medicinal preparations to treat colds and other ailments.

Serviceberries are a great choice for gardeners seeking an early harvest of fruit. The berries ripen in early summer, well before other fruits are ready, making them an ideal addition to a mixed fruit garden. They are also loved by birds and other wildlife, who flock to the trees to feast on the berries. In the landscape, serviceberries are stunning, with their showy spring flowers, beautiful foliage in the fall, and delicious berries that can be used in various culinary applications.

• Zone Range: 3-8

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Size at Maturity: 5-7 feet tall, 5-7 feet spread

• Pollination: Self-fertile (every plant can produce fruit on its own)