Western Serviceberry

Western Serviceberry is found throughout the Saltese area. It has a number of nicknames including: Saskatoon, sarvisberry, Juneberry, shadbush, pigeon berry and, chuckley pear.

The Serviceberry is a woody shrub that grows most often as an open and is usually 6 to 12 feet tall. However, you may find some that never seem to grow more than a few feet. This is likely due to the deer feasting on the branches. Happiest in sun, it is very drought tolerant which makes is well suited for this area. The leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion. They are simple, 1”-3” in length and have an oval to oblong shape. During the summer the leaves are green while in the fall they can turn a very pleasing red to yellow color.

The white fragrant flowers appear in April through early May. Flowers transform into bluish-purple sour edible berries which ripen in early summer. Berries can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, and are used in jam, jelly, or pies. My experience says add lots of sugar to whatever you make.

Serviceberry blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies. The fruit is a feast for the birds in the late summer.