Inland serviceberry (Amelanchier interior) is known by many names: serviceberry, juneberry, shadbush, shadblow and May cherry. It is a small tree growing to a height of 35 feet under favorable conditions. The serviceberry in the western part of Iowa is usually only shrub-like. The tree flowers in the early spring, and has beautiful, delicate white flowers. It is desirable as an ornamental.
Habitat: Dry sandstone ledges, native range in northeast Iowa
Hardiness: Zones 2 through 7
Growth Rate: Slow
Mature Shape: Small tree with multiple upright stems. To make the species into a tree shape, the stems must be trained as its tendency is to be a multi-stemmed shrub.
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 3-6 feet
Site Requirements: Medium moisture; full to partial sun
Leaves: Alternate, simple, single toothed, and oval or oblong shaped
Flowering Dates: May - June
Seed Dispersal Dates: July - August
Seed Bearing Age: 2-4 years; significant yield after 6 to 8 years; maximum yields after 12 to 15 years
Seed Bearing Frequency: Yearly
Seed Stratification: Cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below -33°F.
The leaves are hairy when young and somewhat resemble cherry leaves in shape and outline. Leaves are dark red-brown as they unfold, but later dark dull green above, pale below and thick and firm.
The slender twigs have long-pointed, yellowish buds. The tree has a smooth, dark ashy gray and matted bark.