Serviceberries

I will be submitting three paintings for my final portfolio. One of those paintings is of serviceberries.

If I had to choose a favorite shrub, it would easily be serviceberry. I have one of these easy care plants growing in my garden. It is low maintenance, relatively pest free, and offers three seasons of beauty. White blossoms cover the branches in spring, followed by leaves and delicious purple berries. Autums brings golden yellow and orange foliage. I’m really pleased with how all three seasons fit together.

This Serviceberry(Amelancier alnifolia) is native to north America. Utah has its own variety (Utah Serviceberry). There is a family of quail that love to hang out underneath my serviceberry, and I have heard stories of others who have fought with birds to get to the berries first. Perhaps I don’t have that fight because we have so may other food sources for the birds. We mostly eat them fresh, but have also added them to jam, smoothies, and even s’mores.