Plant Description
The Canadian serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), also known as shadbush, is a native New Jersey shrub or small tree, typically growing 15 to 25 feet tall. In early spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom before the leaves, often coinciding with the migration of shad fish—hence its name. These flowers are followed by sweet, edible berries that ripen from red to purple or nearly black in early summer. Its smooth, slate-gray bark with white stripes and blue-green foliage, which turns vibrant orange or red in the fall, provide year-round beauty (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
The juicy fruits are rich in iron and copper and can be enjoyed fresh or in recipes like jams and baked goods. Historically, Indigenous peoples dried the berries or mashed them into cakes, often combining them with meat and fat to make pemmican, a lightweight, high-energy food. While serviceberries are susceptible to some diseases and pests, these issues are usually cosmetic. However, they are sensitive to drought, so consistent moisture is key to their success (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
