Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
10/17/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Serviceberry: Many Names for a Great Tree
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator, Reiman Gardens
This week's Reiman's Pick is a small tree known as serviceberry, often referred to by its genus name, Amelanchier. There are more than 25 species of Amelanchier in North America, five of which are native to Iowa.
Even if you've never heard of serviceberry, you may know this tree by one of its many other common names: saskatoon, shadblossom, shadbush, shadwood, Juneberry, mountain blueberry or sarvis-tree. These common names were originally used by settlers who admired and appreciated this tree in its native woodland habitats from Maine to Iowa and Louisiana to Canada. For instance, the common names shadblow, shadblossom and shadbush refer to its early spring blossoms, which occur at the same time that the shad, a fish common to American coastal waters, return to their spring spawning grounds. The name serviceberry originated because the branches were collected in mid-winter and forced into bloom for church services, and "Saskatoon" is an English version of the Cree name Mis-sak-a-too-mina, and often refers to species grown for its fruit.
Serviceberries make great landscape plants because they offer year-round interest. In early spring, they produce masses of showy white flowers that become purplish-black fruit in June. In the fall, these trees glow with foliage colors ranging from bold yellow to brilliant red, depending on the variety. After the leaves fall, the ornamental, light gray bark, streaked with a reddish cast, is an attractive feature in the winter landscape.
Serviceberries are considered large shrubs or small trees - an ideal size for most landscapes. They will grow up to 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide and are usually grown in clumps with many upright branches. Serviceberries are hardy through zone 4 and can be planted in partial shade to full sun. In native areas, they are commonly found along the borders of woodlands, on hillsides and along stream banks. Serviceberries are a good transition from open grassy areas to woodlands, and they also work well in the foreground of evergreens. Plant them in building corners, as an informal hedge, or in small groves where there is plenty of space to fill in.
There are several excellent varieties of serviceberry available for home landscape use. 'Autumn Brilliance' is probably one of the most commonly found varieties in garden centers and nurseries. It produces white flowers in spring and the foliage turns orange to red in the fall. It grows quite rapidly to a height of 20 to 25 feet.
Serviceberries produce small, apple-like fruit that ripens in June, which is the reason it is sometimes called Juneberry. The fruit is edible with a sweet, blueberry-like flavor and can be eaten fresh, baked in pies or other desserts, or processed into wine, jam or preserves. Serviceberry fruit is a favorite of many species of birds, so you should harvest the ripe fruit before the birds discover it. If you are interested in growing Amelanchier for its fruit, select a variety of Amelanchier alnifolia, which are often called saskatoons. Varieties of saskatoon grown for their superior fruit quality include 'Smokey,' 'Northline,' 'Pembina,' and 'Thiessen.' Saskatoons usually take a few years to flower and produce fruit. When growing them for fruit, plant them in a location that receives full sun.
You will see the brilliant color of the serviceberry foliage this fall throughout Reiman Gardens. It is fall splendor at its best.
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