Amelanchier laevis
smooth serviceberry
 
Amelanchier laevis, smooth serviceberry, is prized for its delicate white flowers that bloom in early spring and its sweet, edible berries that ripen in early summer.
 
A host plant for the larvae of the Red-spotted Purple and Coral Hairstreak butterflies, the smooth serviceberry provides crucial habitat for these beautiful insects.
 
Growing to a height of 15-25 feet, this shrub is perfect for borders or as a standalone specimen. In the autumn, the leaves of the Amelanchier laevis turn a stunning orange-red, adding a burst of color to the landscape. 
 
photo by David J. Stang