The Serviceberry is an early-blooming tree indigenous to Indiana. There are two main types - Downy Serviceberry and Smooth Serviceberry. The leaves are oval and toothed, while the bark is smooth when young and scaly when mature. In spring, it produces delicate white flowers followed by reddish-purple, edible berries. Though small in size, the Serviceberry has various uses as its wood makes good tool handles and firewood, while its berries can be turned into pies, muffins or preserves.

1. The Serviceberry
By Lindsey Kurucz

2. How did the Serviceberry get its name?
The Serviceberry tree got its name because it
is one of the first trees to bloom after the
snow melts in Spring.

3. Is there more than one type?
There are several types of the Serviceberry.
However, only two of them are indigenous to
Indiana.
Amelanchier arborea
(Downy Serviceberry)
Amelanchier laevis
(Smooth Serviceberry)

4. Leaves
The leaves of the Serviceberry are alternating,
oval in shape, and sharply toothed.
3 in. in length, 1.5
in. in width
Actual KIB tree. South Davidson

5. Bark
The bark of the Serviceberry is smooth and
gray when young, and black and scaly when
mature.

6. Flowers and Fruits
The Serviceberry tree blossoms in Spring with
delicate, strap-like white flowers.
The fruits are reddish-purple, fleshy berries
that are edible and sweet.

7. Uses
The Serviceberry is useful for many things. The
wood is useful for tool handles and firewood.
The berries are useful as food in pies, muffins,
and preserves. However, there is not an
abundance of these materials because the
trees tend to remain smaller. The berries are
not plentiful, due to wildlife that are also
seeking them.

8. Resources
101 Trees of Indiana- A Field Guide
By Marion T. Jackson
Understory Trees- www.watersheds.org
Article by Jessica Cranall and Hank Dorst