Amelanchier utahensis

Habit: medium to large deciduous shrub to small tree, Amelanchier utahensis is multi-stemmed with a rounded crown. The bark is ashy gray and the leaves are a shiny dark green, rounded or spade-shaped often toothed and are predominantly on the outer tips of the stems. Flowers bloom from April to June by forming clusters with five showy white petals appearing snow-like. Edible berries ripen in late summer and early fall turning from purplish-red to dark blue. It has a deep spreading root system.

Ecology: in most western states Utah serviceberry is generally found at elevations of 5000-9000 ft (1524-2743m) in canyons, stream banks, dry ridges and open rocky slopes in semi-open forests and scrub-oak woodlands.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained, moist to dry soil, and very drought tolerant once established.

Branches are used for weaving and making bows. Provides nesting and cover for small birds. An important winter food for birds and many large mammals, such as mule deer, elk, and bighorns, since the berries stay on the shrub throughout the winter.