Amelanchier alnifolia

Habit: a small tree/shrub with deep green foliage and striking white flowers in mid spring. Its growth form is typically multi-stemmed forming dense thickets that slowly spread by rhizomes or rooting branch ends. It is also known to resemble a small single or multi-stemmed tree, 3-26 ft (1-8m) tall, with smooth brown bark.

Ecology: adaptable to most soil types and locations from sea level to sub alpine elevations including rocky bluffs and shorelines to open woods, meadows and thickets.

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

The 1/4″ edible berries that follow the flowers start out red, and mature to black-blue. It finishes with great fall color, with leaves turning red, orange or yellow. The berries provide food for mammals and birds, and the dense growth provides shelter.

Always seek advice from a professional before consuming or using a plant medicinally.