Species › Plants › Downy Serviceberry

Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

CommonPlant
Illustration of Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Downy Serviceberry is one of the largest serviceberries, growing as a small tree 15–25 feet tall across a wide range of habitats in eastern North America. It is distinguished by the downy white hairs on its young leaves when they emerge with the flowers in early spring. The sweet, edible berries ripen in June. Downy Serviceberry is an outstanding four-season tree with spring flowers, summer berries, fall color, and attractive smooth gray bark visible in winter.

Habitat
Found in dry to moist upland forests, rocky slopes, and forest edges across eastern North America.
Diet
Berries consumed by over 40 bird species including thrushes, orioles, and bears.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Downy Serviceberry

The best time to see a Downy Serviceberry is March–May, when about 76% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,236 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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