Common names for the genus Amelanchier are serviceberry, shadbush, shadwood, juneberry, sugarplum, and wild-plum. There are 20 species of serviceberries. When identifying Amelanchier it is often difficult to distinguish among different species because morphological characteristics (physical appearances) look similar. Scientists have noted different species of serviceberries that have bred across species or taxa and hybridized. Their native range extends to 4 continents.

 

Serviceberry habitats are well lit and experience disturbances. These small trees and shrubs also occupy edge habitats and margins of forested areas, like along deer trails or constructed paths. Here they have access to sunlight which helps promote primary production. Serviceberries bloom and produce fruits in the summer. Insects, butterfly larvae, woodpeckers, oriels, robins, squirrels, moose, and snowshoe hares consume this plant and its fruits. They taste similar to blueberries. 

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