Apr 05 2010

Signs of Spring: Downy Serviceberry

Published by Kate St. John at 7:24 am under Plants


Downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is one of the first trees to bloom in Pennsylvania’s woods. 

Its white, curly flowers appear before the leaves so you’ll see it standing alone, a white beauty among bare trees. Click on the photo to see what it looks like.

And why is it called “downy?”  Because of the fibers in the bud, shown here. 

(photo by Marcy Cunkelman)

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4 responses so far

4 Responses to “Signs of Spring: Downy Serviceberry”

  1. # Kathyon 05 Apr 2010 at 9:55 am

    Beautiful!

  2. # Nellie Curranon 05 Apr 2010 at 10:41 am

    Kate, do we have 4 eggs at the Gulf Tower? I think I see 4 today 4/5/10.

  3. # Kate St. Johnon 05 Apr 2010 at 10:48 am

    Yes, see the comments starting here:
    http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2010/04/03/gulf-tower-doris-first-egg/comment-page-1/#comment-9082

  4. # Kathyon 06 Apr 2010 at 9:49 pm

    Do you think the wildflowers are early this year or do they follow a regular pattern based more on the amount of sunlight (like birds) than the temp? I saw Hepatica at North Park today, and over the weekend in Ohio. What a beautiful flower! Especially the purple.

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