For people who preferred to skip services and go fishing instead, the flowers appeared coincidentally when the shad migrated upstream from the ocean to spawn. According to legend, the tree was given that name in 19 th century New England because it bloomed in April, when the spring thaw allowed roads to become passable and rural residents could once again attend religious services. In the eastern part of the United States, it is primarily known as serviceberry. In the northern part of the United States and in Canada, it is known as Saskatoon - its native American name. Members of this genus can be found in every state except Hawaii.Īmelanchier has a variety of common names, which can be confusing. The Amelanchier genus consists of more than two dozen species of deciduous trees and shrubs, all but two of which are native to North America. The botanical name for this lovely little tree is Amelanchier (pronounced Am-uh-LAN-kee-er). The autumn foliage, which is characteristically orange to deep red with some shades of yellow or purple, is quite beautiful. Delicious raw, the fruit is also used for jams, jellies, and pies.Īmelanchier Canadensis (Serviceberry) Fall Foliage Their berries, edible by humans and wildlife alike, resemble blueberries in size and color but taste sweeter. Their white to pinkish-white flowers are some of the first to appear in spring. In the wild, serviceberries may be found growing in moist woodland sites and along streams. So what’s so special about this tree? It’s a serviceberry – a native plant noted for its merits as a landscape plant and as a valuable host to a broad range of wildlife species. Then, the mockingbirds, bluebirds, finches, and other avian species will join the party. Later on, around June, the blossoms will give way to sweet juicy berries. They’re there along with the butterflies to feed on the plentiful nectar and pollen. But the bees are not there to admire the tree with its pretty five-petaled, star-shaped blossoms. The bees buzzing around my back yard know a good thing when they see it! They know that the little tree planted just outside my breakfast room is something special.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |