SERVICEBERRY (SHAD TREES)
Amelanchier ×grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’
Known as Shad Trees on Martha’s Vineyard because they bloom when the Shad (a type of small fish) swim up the creeks here on the island to breed.
A native multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, about 20 feet tall, has year round interest. Serviceberries are one of the first to burst into bloom in April with their showy white flowers. Once the flowers pass, tasty purple colored fruit, similar in flavor to blueberries, follow in mid June. The fall brings showstopping brilliant orange to red autumn color.
Attract more wildlife to your garden with native berry producing shrubs like Serviceberry!
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VALUABLE SHRUB FOR WILDLIFE
Native to eastern United States and Canada, Serviceberries support numerous butterfly and bird species These early bloomers support pollinators in spring and produce sweet berries in the summer that support birds like cedar waxwings, robins, and thrushes. Once the berries ripen, they provide a rich source of nutrition and are a crucial food source for early nesting birds and returning migratory species.
Serviceberries are a valuable shrub for wildlife. One of the earliest blooming shrubs in spring, Serviceberries burst into bloom typically in April, making it an essential early spring food source for pollinators.
attract wildlife to your garden
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GROWING & CARE
Serviceberries have an upright habit with grayish to silver, smooth bark.
Easy to grow
Tolerant of most site conditions but does not tolerate salt or poor drainage. Prefers acidic, well drained soils in partial shade to sun.
It is susceptible to heat and drought stress.
Use as a small tree in mixed borders or foundation plantings.
Excellent companion with Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus), flowering dogwood (CornusBenthamidia florida), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), pink-shell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata).
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ATTRIBUTES
Attracts Wildlife: Host Plant / Other Pollinators & Wildlife / Attracts Songbirds / Attracts Bees
Tolerance: Deer & Rabbit Resistant / Urban Environment / Drought Tolerant
Additional Attributes: Edible / Low Maintenance
Landscape Use: Rain Garden / Specimen
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit: Red to Purple Fruit / Fall Foliage
Height: 15-25 ft
Spread: 12-20 ft
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Average / Dry
Ornamental Interest: Spring Bloom / Summer Fruit / Fall Foliage