How to Identify Serviceberries in the Wild

Ripe Serviceberries

Serviceberries are common throughout the United States and Canada. In late summer, the plants produce a sweet, mild-tasting fruit. There are over twenty species of serviceberries in North America, and they go by a multitude of other common names, among them Juneberry, Shadbush, Saskatoon, or their scientific genus name of Amelanchier. The fruit of the species is edible—although some are more tasty than others—and can be eaten fresh or preserved.

Instructions

1. Take a look at the environment in which the plant is growing. Serviceberries are woodland trees that flourish in the sun, and are rarely found in the deep dark of a forest. Serviceberries are most commonly found at a forest edge or in a sunny, open patch of land. Serviceberries need rich, well-drained soil and adequate air circulation to grow.

2. Examine the tree's structure. Serviceberry trees are about ten to twenty feet tall and about five to ten feet across. The trunks often grow in multi-stemmed clumps, and are relatively straight and upright, without much branching.

3. Feel the bark. Serviceberry bark is smooth, and the color is grey or greyish brown.

4. Inspect the leaves. Serviceberry leaves are elliptical and lightly toothed around the edge. The leaves turn a brilliant red in the autumn.

5. 

   In late spring, look for simple, white, sweet-smelling flowers with five petals. However, be aware that the flowers are short-lived, especially in windy or rainy conditions, and even in the best of weather, won't be around much longer than a week.

6. Watch for the fruit in mid-to-late summer. Serviceberry fruit is smooth and round, somewhat resembling a large blueberry. Immature fruit will be pink to red, with a greenish tinge. Ripe fruit, on the other hand, will be a deep purple.

Tips & Warnings

• Always a consult reputable field guide or trained expert before eating any wild food.