Amelanchier utahensis aka Utah Serviceberry

Amelanchier utahensis, or Utah serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree. It belongs to the rose family. Its native range spans the western and south-central United States into Mexico. There, it reaches Baja California Norte and Chihuahua. It grows on dry slopes, canyon sides, and rocky ground. Its habitats range from desert scrub to mountain woods.

Most plants have several stems and a rounded crown. A usual size is about 15 feet [4.6 metres] tall and wide. Another source gives a height of 16 feet [5 metres]. Larger plants can reach 25 feet [7.6 metres]. Young bark is smooth and grey, with brown streaks. Older bark develops deep cracks and grooves. The thin, flexible twigs are reddish brown. They bear hairs when young but lose them with age. Leaves grow alternately along the stems. Each leaf is oval to almost round, with toothed edges. The thick leaves have dark green tops and pale, hairy undersides.

White or pink flowers grow in short racemes in spring. Each flower has five petals. Sources place flowering between April and June. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. The small, round fruits are pomes and grow in close clusters. They turn from red to dark purple or black. Ripening dates vary with site, rain, and height above sea level. Reports range from June through late summer and early fall. Birds visit the plant for its fruit.

Grow Utah serviceberry in full sun or partial shade. It suits hot, dry sites and tolerates dry soil. It also grows in moist soil where water drains well. Rich loam suits it, but sand and heavy clay also work. Avoid ground that stays waterlogged. Mildly acid to neutral soil is suitable. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 5–8. Its dense, upright form suits a hedge or screen. It can also grow along sunny woodland edges or in dappled shade. Orange rust can affect the plant.

Only the fruit is edible; other parts contain cyanogenic compounds. Fruit quality varies from sweet and soft to dry or bland. Good fruit has an apple-like taste with grape and almond notes. People eat it fresh or make pies, jelly, and preserves. Some fruit develops a firm texture that makes it less pleasant. Recorded folk uses include inner bark for snow-blindness and the plant during childbirth. These records do not establish safe or effective treatment. The hard, strong wood has served for basket rims and fire-drill spindles.