Page 150 - Forest Trees of Maine
P. 150
S Amelanchier spp. Medik.
pproximately seven species of
A serviceberry or shad bush grow
as shrubs or small trees in Maine. Of
these, two species—Allegheny service-
berry Amelanchier laevis Wieg. and
downy serviceberry Amelanchier arborea
(Michx.f.) Fern.—commonly grow to be
small trees 30–40 feet in height and 6 to
8 inches in diameter. Allegheny service-
berry, is the more common of the two.
They are both found in open hardwood
stands or along the margins of open areas
throughout much of the state.
The bark of serviceberry is smooth,
gray to light violet-brown with darker
vertical stripes; older bark is slightly fis-
sured longitudinally and twisted.
The leaves of Allegheny service-
berry are half grown at flowering time,
Serviceberry wood is
and have a reddish or purplish tinge.
occasionally used for tool When downy serviceberry leaves are
handles, small implements just unfolding, they are green and
densely hairy beneath. Mature leaves
and fishing rods.
of both species are alternate, dark green
148 SE R VICE BE R R Y
