The Amelanchier tree has many names: the Serviceberry, Sarvisberry, Sarvis, Shadbush, Shadwood, Wild Pear, Juneberry, Saskatoon, Sugarplum, Wild-Plum and Chuckley Pear. The Amelanchier has an interesting backstory to follow many of its nicknames.
The Amelanchier tree is a short tree or large shrub ideal for adding beauty to your landscape.
This tree of many names was often used as an indication to mark the time of year when shad fish came to spawn, thus the nicknames Shadblow or Shadbush.
Early colonists referred to the Amelanchier as the Serviceberry. The colonists referenced the blooming of the Amelanchier as a sign that the ground had thawed enough to bury the dead, after a long winter. The name Serviceberry was a term derived from funeral service.
Amelanchier candensis
The Amelanchier is also called the Juneberry for it’s bountiful boughs of berries produced in June, which attract birds.
A tree that features something beautiful each season, the Amelanchier tree’s bright green leaves turn a bright orange and deep red during Autumn.
The Amelanchier’s leaves are bright during fall.
Once the tree has shed its leaves for winter, its silvery bark resonates during winter snow. This small tree, or large bush is a great addition to your landscape as a tell-tale sign that spring has sprung.