Several years ago, we planted a serviceberry (Amelachier x grandiflora Autumn Brillance) in our front yard.
The serviceberry, an American native, is a small tree of four- season interest. This spring, it sported white fuzzy blossoms. These provided the red berries that adorned the tree in June. Now, in summer, the leaves are a lovely green, In the fall, they’ll turn a nice, glowing red to provide the autumn brilliance that gave the tree its name. In winter, the smooth gray multiple trunks will be a pleasing sight. Ultimately, the serviceberry will grow to be between 15 and 25 feet tall and wide. The berries are tart-sweet and can be used for cooking — if you get there in time. The birds may well beat you to the prize.
For me, watching the birds is the prize. In early June, they provided daily amusement. Birds of all types – including robins, whose relatively large bodies made the branches of the serviceberry shake when they landed – visited regularly to eat the berries. One robin was a bit more creative. He started from the ground, and fluttered upward to nab a berry, in kind of a wing-propelled jump.
Another favorite visitor, however, was the cedar waxwing, which is especially fond of serviceberry berries. The bird looked like a gentleman clad in a nice tan tuxedo as it snatched and nibbled the juicy red morsels.
During berry season, my little tree probably got 50 to 100 visitors each day. At that rate, it took only a week or two for the berries to disappear. I am glad to provide the birds with this food, because I enjoy watching their antics so much.
If you want birds in your yard, consider planting a serviceberry.
