Serviceberry (3)
The Amelanchier genus, Serviceberry, blooms very early in the spring so early pioneers used their blooms for funeral services when the ground had thawed enough to bury those who had died in the winter. Bark and twigs are smooth, gray to purplish. Leaves are oval to round in shape and finely toothed above the middle. Flowers have five white narrow petals. They produce juicy fruits which turn from white to pink to purple/black as they ripen. They are edible for humans and enjoyed by wild birds and mammals.
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Dwarf Serviceberry Family:
Rose (Rosaceae) A shrub growing to 6 feet high in thickets with hairless leaves and flowers. Leaves are leathery compared to var. alnifolia.  Flora of North America reference. |
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Western Serviceberry Family:
Rose (Rosaceae) A shrub or tree growing from 3 to 26 feet high often in thickets. Berries are larger, ½inch across than var. pumila.
Flora of North America reference. |
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Utah Serviceberry Family:
Rose (Rosaceae) Grows to 6 feet tall and is very similar in appearance to A. alnifolia. Leaves and flowers are are hairier. Flowers are smaller. Grows at lower altitudes in pinyon-juniper woodlands. Flora of North America reference. |
