PlantsFruits & Berries
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Edible small tree; spring flowers; bird habitat
EasyFruits & BerriesAlso Shrubs & VinesAlso TreesEdible
- Light
- Full sun–part shade
- Moisture
- Medium
- Mature size
- 12–25 ft
- Spacing
- 12–20 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- White flowers Apr–May; fruit Jun
- How it spreads
- Clumping / small tree
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
Plant two serviceberries for heavier crops; protect young fruit from birds.
If you eat it
Ripe berries fresh, cooked, or dried
Confirm positive ID; wash fruit
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
