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Serviceberries (Amelanchier species)
Rose Family (Rosaceae)

(Also known as Shad, Shadbush, Juneberry, or Saskatoon)

Habitat:

There are several species of Serviceberries in Maine. Some are small trees, and others are shrubs. They generally grow at the forest's edge.

Leaves:

Alternately arranged, with serrated margins. Some turn reddish-green in the spring, and others are fuzzy as they unfurl.

Flowers:

White, about an inch across, with five petals. They look similar to cherry blossoms but generally bloom earlier.

Fruit:

Tiny, purple or blackish in color, edible. A recipe for Serviceberry Pie.

Helpful Tips:

Serviceberries are native to Maine, and most range from the Northern United States into Canada. For more information, see Audubon Trees or Flora of Maine.

Thicket Shadbush
The flowers of Thicket Shadbush, Amelanchier stolonifera.
(Photo courtesy of Matt Arsenault)

Serviceberry Map

Sightings of Serviceberries in Bloom
2006
2007
2008
Date
Location
Date
Location
Date
Location

April 26

Sanford

       

May 3

Lebanon, Alfred, Arundel

       

May 4

Augusta

       

May 5

Fairfield, Orono, Wells, Waterboro, Hollis, Buxton

       

May 6

Pittsfield, Carmel, Etna, Plymouth, Burnham, Newport

       

May 8

Bar Harbor

       

May 9

Kittery

       

May 11

Buckfield

       

 

Last Updated: July 18, 2006