Article published in News-Review on December 6, 2024
By: Julie Burchstead
The Many Gifts of Serviceberry
Question: I have a small yard. I only have room to add one shrub or compact tree that will provide interest and attract pollinators and birds. Is there one that can cover all those bases?
Answer: Consider native Western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). This humble plant native to the Pacific Northwestthrives in a range of Oregon habitats, sun exposure, and elevation, making it a good candidate for almost any setting. Its unassuming appearance belie its abundant gifts: browse, shelter, pollen, nectar, and berries. Robin Wall Kimmerer writes in her most recent book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, “Berry picking is the first step in a lifelong companionship with the living world.” Sourced in the wild or from our garden, serviceberries are a gift.
Western serviceberry is commonly known as Saskatoon (Saskatchewan was named for them), Sarvis Berry, Juneberry, along with many other names. Its eastern cousin (Amelanchier arborea) goes by many names as well, including Shadbush, “blooming when the shad fish run”. All belong to the rose family, and have simple green deciduous leaves that aluminate in golden-orangeish color in the fall. Generally, serviceberry has a more shrub-like growing habit, though it can take a more tree-like form as well. It can grow 20 or more feet tall if left unpruned, making it a good candidate for a summer screen along a fence line. Serviceberry blooms in clusters of floppy-petaled white flowers mid-spring to early summer. OSU Extension lists it as one of 12 best plants to add to your garden to entice pollinators, including native bees, syrphid flies (yes, you want these), and butterflies. In Eastern Oregon, it especially hosts the larval stage of Weidemeyer’s Admirals.
Late summer to fall the blossoms mature into sweet, blueberry-sized, blueish to purple berries. Serviceberries, wherever they grow, have historically been used by indigenous populations in making pemmican, a long-lasting “energy bar” made with tallow, dried venison and dried berries. Fresh berries are also a favorite food of birds (cedar waxwings, in particular) and make delicious jams, pies, and syrups. Wildlife will not be picky, but If you are wanting to use serviceberries for your consumption, be sure you choose a specimen by its latin name. Common names are sometimes used interchangeably for A.alnifolia and A.arborea varieties. But A.alnifolia, (Western serviceberry) produces larger, juicier fruit. In the woods, serviceberry provides browse for deer and elk and also mid-story cover for many creatures. Birds in your yard will appreciate its shelter near a bird feeder.
In my yard I have found serviceberry to be relatively fast growing and very low maintenance. In three years a gallon sized plant has grown to 3 feet in diameter and over 5 feet tall. I keep it moderately moist and prune it minimally. This summer I noticed the berries becoming more plentiful. With just a little care, like so many native plants, serviceberry bushes give abundantly throughout their growing season, supporting so many other living beings. By thoughtfully planting things that have such an interconnectedness in our local world, we feed not just ourselves. Planting a serviceberry helps even small gardens become spaces where biodiversity can flourish.
Do you have a gardening or insect question? Contact the Douglas County Master Gardeners at douglasmg@oregonstate.edu or 541-672-4461 or visit 1134 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg. Douglas County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who help the OSU Extension Service serve the people of Douglas County.
