Downy Serviceberry is a lovely and reliable ornamental tree with silvery bark and delicate and fragrant spring flowers that appear in bunches before the leaves emerge.
 
     Its berries--Juneberries--are similar in look and taste as blueberries and ripen to a deep purple or red in summer.  The berries are delicious right off the tree and also can be used in jams and pies.  Birds love the berries, and the tree also is of special value to native bees and a larval host to several moth species.
 
     Fun fact: ☺ There are references to Serviceberry referring to the Appalachian tradition of holding memorial services for the dead that coincided with the budding of the Serviceberry flowers. 
 
     For more on Serviceberry, read our blog here.