| 44. SHADBUSH juneberry, serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis (Linnaeus) Medikus |
| Shadbush is an attractive tree though not of value for timber because of its small size. In the spring when the shad are ascending the rivers, its small white flowers are commonly noticed along the drier banks of the streams, along fence rows, and on hillsides in open woods. It is common throughout most parts of the state, particularly in the central and southern highlands. Its wood is heavy, harder than white oak, strong, close-grained, and dark brown in color often tinged with red. It is occasionally used for tool handles and is highest of all native woods in heat value. |
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| Bark - very
smooth, grayish brown in color, with age often marked with dark lengthwise streaks. Twigs - slender, somewhat zigzag, olive green to purplish brown in color, smooth, but usually covered by a thin grayish outer layer. Winter buds - terminal bud 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, slender, sharp-pointed, greenish or purplish brown in color; lateral buds somewhat smaller than terminal bud or undeveloped. Leaves - alternate, simple, ovate, 2 to 4 inches long, sharp-pointed, finely serrate on margin. Fruit - a berry, sweet, reddish purple in color, about 1/3 inch in diameter, contains many seeds; borne in clusters; ripening in June or July; a favorite food for birds. Distinguishing features - gray bark marked with streaks; finely serrate leaves; cluster of edible red berries.
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