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Shadblow
(Amelanchier canadensis)
The abundant white blooms cover the
bush at the time of year
when the shad (a fish) are running up the rivers of New England to their
spawning grounds.
also called Serviceberry; Downy Serviceberry;
June-berry
This is a native plant. To see a photo of a more mature tree go to the UCONN photo of their Shadbush.
This plant may be a tree or a bush. I think 20 feet is not unusual for its height but one book mentioned it could get to 60!!! Our plant has decided on a more
bush like habit so I am counting on a much more modest height...and my pruning will guide it in that direction!
It is most well known for the billowy flowers that cover it briefly in the spring. The fall foliage is a brilliant yellow to red. There are edible berries in June resulting from all those flowers, but the birds scarf them down before you get to
appreciate them. Native peoples and early settlers did prize the berries which I read are quite delicious. Puddings and pies were popular with the settlers. Some folks cooked them and then used them in muffins. There are few berries on even the largest tree however.
This family of plants does have some problems that might discourage you from planting it. It is susceptible to several
plant diseases that will kill it and also attracts some insects that harm it if you are in an area where those insect populations are high. You might not be though! Best not to plant it as a feature...use it in a natural setting where its absence will not wreck the over all look of the place.
The two little photos are from Trees of the Maritime Forest. The leaf photo is from Mr. Grow.
I will replace them when ours leafs out, etc.
Study Pointers:
to Schoolyard Habitat Index
to Waddell School Introduction Page
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