Tree Talk: Serviceberry

We discovered another gem of a tree this week right in Westdale’s Churchill Park. A whole cluster of serviceberry trees (also called Juneberry or Saskatoon berry) are heavy with fruit just outside the lawn bowling club. The best part: these berries are edible!

That’s right, you can eat them. I was surprised to hear that too, always having been taught to leave round red berries alone, but I can tell you firsthand that serviceberries are harmless-and delicious! They taste somewhat similar to blueberries and, like most berries, contain lots of fibre and vitamins. I’ve been snacking on them before and after our data collection sessions, and even brought a few home to my family, who was enthusiastic once I assured them that no, I wasn’t trying to poison anyone.

But enough about food-a little about the tree itself: Serviceberry is a native species that can grow well in wet and shady conditions, but is also drought and sun-tolerant. It is a member of the rose family and come in many different variations. Depending on the variation, it can grow to different sizes, anywhere from 8-20 ft. tall (so if you have limited space you can choose a smaller shrub variety). In the spring, these trees are a beautiful sight, covered in white blossoms. Around June, the purple-red berries appear, sticking around for only a couple of weeks. The leaves turn bright orange and red, making the serviceberry a beautiful tree all year round.

So if you’re looking for a great tree for your yard, why not consider a serviceberry? Plant one now and in a few years you’ll have a gorgeous tree and a tasty treat to enjoy for many years.

Thanks to Giuliana Casimirri (our very own Urban Forest Project Coordinator) for introducing me to this great species and taking the lovely photographs. Thanks also to http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/the-amazing-serviceberry.aspx#axzz369DNa0rQ and http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/tree/serviceberry/ for more information.
-- Mara