Serviceberry. This is one of my favorite native small trees, and this species is one of the first to flower in the early spring, actually, late winter here. Its name is derived from early circuit rider preachers, who resumed their "circuits" when snow would permit in late winter when they could resume their services, hence the name "Serviceberry." Its smooth bark is one of its greatest attributes, but it is normally planted for its small white flowers which flower here in February. Its berries was one of the Native American's principle source of vitamin C. Fall color is a pleasing gold to tangerine orange to sometimes red. Normally it grows in a clump and does best in filtered sun as an understory tree. Another outstanding aspects is its smooth gray bark. Here it does best as an understory small tree, but further north it grows well in full sun.
Zones 3-8
