The scientific name for Downy Serviceberry is Amelanchier arborea, and this woody plant also goes by the names like Juneberry , Sarvis-tree, Shadblow and Shadbrush. This shrub can be mainly found in the eastern region of North America. This region spreads from the north Gulf coast to Ontario's Thunder Bay area, and from St. John Lake in Quebec to Minnesota and Texas.
The Downy Serviceberry tree has a smooth gray bark with darker stripes, and can reach a maximum height of 20 meters. Usually the height of this tree ranges from 5 to 12 meters, and the diameter of its trunk can extend up to 15 centimeters. It can be called a small tree and has a crown which is narrow. The length of its green leaves will be about 4 to 8 cms, and width will range between 2 to 4 cms. They are serrated, having an ovate or obovate shape. The leaves have pinnate veins, and the top of the leaf is more greener. In fall the leaves turn a yellowish orange and then pinkish to reddish. The new leaves typically emerge from the underside or downy, hence the name. The twigs of the Downy Serviceberry are slender and flexible, having a reddish brown color. Some twigs when young are covered with hair which are very fine. The buds when they appear are longish and have a point, and will sometimes hook around the twigs. Their color is yellowish green or red and have hair on the margins.
Flowers and Fruits
The Downy Serviceberry has showy whitish flowers having five slender petals. Their size usually ranges between 1.5 to 2.5 cms in diameter. The flowers are pollinated by bees, and come in drooping bunches of 4 to 10 which are on racames that are pendulous. The blooms occur mainly in April and their duration will be shortened by very warm weather. The fruit is apple-shaped but measures only about a quarter of an inch. This reddish-purple fruit is a favourite of the birds, as it is very delicious having a sweet taste, somewhat similar to blueberries.
This trees are most suitable for cultivation against darker backgrounds. They can add a lot of beauty to corners of buildings and also in gardens or groves where there is ample space. The berries of course are very delicious, and used to make jams and pies. Certain native americans also use it to make bread.
The Downy Serviceberry can be propagated by seeds , grafting and division. The seeds need to be taken as soon as the fruit is ripe, and left to stratify for about 120 days at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are propagating by division then the cuttings should be taken when the tissue of the stem is becoming firm and when the end leaf starts maturing. This will happen usually somewhere in the middle of May. Misting a mix of 30% peat and 70% perlite is ideal for rooting. Another method of propagation which is gathering popularity is tissue culture, but most of them are not done commercially for this species.
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