Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry) - QT

Shadblow Serviceberry, or Shadbush, is a large multi-stemmed shrub or small multitrunked tree, native to the woodland understory of the Eastern US and Canada. They bloom in May (a week after Amelanchier arborea, a closely related species) with showy, slightly fragrant white sprays of dainty flowers that attract pollinators by offering nectar and pollen rewards for their services. Very ornamental pinkish-red berry-like fruits form in clusters and ripen to a rich purple color by June. That is when the birds attack! They adore the fruits of Serviceberries and will strip it clean in a very short time. Humans can also eat the berries which are sweet and floral tasting, similar to blueberries, and they can be used to replace other berries in most recipes.
Serviceberries are very ornamental and commonly used in the landscape. They prefer a moist, acidic soil but are adaptable and easy to please. These shrubs tolerate clay soil but are not reliable in stressful environments where they experience drought and blazing hot sun and wind. This species has moderate salt tolerance and makes a lovely tall foundation planting. If smaller stems are pruned out, this can be an attractive small tree with multiple trunks that are taller than wide. Its natural growth habit is very upright with tightly suckering stems. The foliage and overall growth habit is soft and airy, and the fall colors are brilliant golden yellow, orange and red.
Besides their beauty, Amelanchier spp. have excellent wildlife value. Along with the incredible bounty of fruit and nectar that Serviceberries provide, they are also host to at least 92 species of Lepidoptera, including the Red-spotted Purple and the Striped Hairstreak.
Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Tolerance