Utah serviceberry has been used for fuel to a very limited degree. The fruit, both fresh and dried, was extensively used as food by Indians. The branches were used for making bows.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Utah serviceberry
  • Synonyms: Amelanchier utahensis
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
  • Genus Information: 3 species in NV, 18 in the US, 20 total

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: shrub
  • Shape: round
  • Size: up to 10 feet (3 m)
  • Stem: gray, woody

Leaves

  • Color: hairy light green
  • Shape: elliptical
  • Edge: finely toothed
  • Arrangement:
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white
  • Flower Size: 1-2 inches
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: Apr, May, Jun
  • Fruit: edible purple-black berries

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: dry and alkaline soils
  • Habitat: scrubby open slopes to woodlands and forests

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY
  • Seen: Red Rock Canyon
  • Elevation: 5000-7000 feet

Photographs

Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

Red Rock Canyon

Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

Red Rock Canyon