Serviceberry (Shadbush), Amelanchier Alnifolia

Day 207: Serviceberry is known by several different names, depending on where it occurs in the United States. On the east coast, you're more likely to hear it referred to as "Shadbush," a name which derives from the fact that it blooms concurrently with the spring shad runs in the rivers. In the midwest, you'll find it spelled "Serviceberry," although in pronunciation, it's said "Sarviceberry" instead. In British Columbia, it is often called "Saskatoon." Some field guides refer to it as Amelanchier florida.

The plant is a bushy shrub with multiple stems, and bears a berry resembling a blueberry in size, color, shape and taste. The fruit is excellent in jams and may be dried to add to trail mix or muffins. Here in Washington, it blooms slightly ahead of the arrival of the shad, but it serves as a heads-up for fishermen who know to look for signs from Nature.