Serviceberry
(Scientific Name: Amelanchier
species)
Description:
Branching shrubs or small trees with alternate, oblong leaves 1-2
inches long, usually toothed above the middle and smooth
along the base. White flowers, which grow in clusters, have five
narrow petals, usually twisted and about 1/2 inch long. The small,
dark blue, apple-like fruit, about 1/4 inch thick, is sweet, with a
flavor like almonds. These berries ripen in early summer and tend to
dry on the branches.
Habitat: Moist to dry soil in open woods and
brushy areas from seal level to about 7500 feet. Very adaptable.
Uses: The berries make excellent pies and are
good stewed or fresh. They can be frozen, canned, or dried for
future use. Indians dried large quantities of this fruit for winter
and mixed it with pounded dried meat for pemmican.
