Amelanchier canadensis

Appearance

It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 0.5–8 metres tall with one to many stems and a narrow, fastigiate crown. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to ovate-oblong, 1–5.5 cm long and 1.8–2.8 cm broad with a rounded to sub-acute apex; they are downy below, and have a serrated margin and an 8–15 mm petiole.
The flowers are produced in early spring in loose racemes 4–6 cm long at the ends of the branches; each raceme has four to ten flowers. The flower has five white petals 7.6–11 mm long and 2–4 mm broad, and 20 stamens.
The fruit is a pome, 7–10 mm diameter, dark purple when ripe; it is edible and sweet. Fruits become ripe in June and July in its native range.

"Amelanchier canadensis" is a deciduous, small tree that flowers in the early spring. Its height ranges from 6–20 ft. The leaves are subtly serrated and about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in length and they have a simple alternate pattern.

Distribution

"Amelanchier canadensis" occurs primarily on the East coast of North America and it ranges as far north as the Ontario and Quebec provinces of Canada and as far west as Mississippi.

Status

The species is classified as Vulnerable in Canadian provinces and Georgia. Critically imperiled in Pennsylvania. and considered Secure in all other states within its native range.

Uses

It is used as a medicinal plant, food, and ornamental plant. It is sometimes made into bonsai. The serviceberry blooms early in the spring. it is an important food source for pollinators like butterflies and honeybees. The tree’s wood is hard, heavy, and dark brown. It can hold polish and can be used to make fishing rods, walking sticks, and wooden handles. Wood production can be difficult due to the tree's small stature.

The bark and root of the tree have multiple medicinal purposes. The roots have been used for miscarriage, bark was used as a dewormer for children, was used to make disinfectant wipes, and could also be used to treat diarrhea and excessive bleeding while menstruating.