Downy Serviceberry RPBB - Amelanchier arborea

Downy Serviceberry is important for birds and pollinators. A multi-stemmed shrub or understory tree, Downy Serviceberry is a larval host to about 120 US caterpillar species, including the Striped Hairstreak and Red-Spotted Purple butterflies and the Blue Spring, Chokeberry Underwing, and Dagger moths. White flowers appear early in spring and develop into tasty purplish-black berries that Woodpeckers, Thrushes, Waxwings, Orioles, and other birds, as well as mammals, love. Favored plant of the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, its nectar and pollen also attract honeybees, small native bees, and other insects. People also love the sweet berries, and the red fall color. Soil Type: Loam/Sand/Gravel Soil Conditions: Average-Dry Flower Color: White Flower Time: March-April Height: 10-30' Light: Sun/Part-Sun Features: Birds, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Pollinators, Larval Host, Fall Interest. Credits: Info courtesy of Illinoiswildflowers.info; Photo courtesy of John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org