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Berry bush #906378

Asked June 19, 2025, 10:32 AM EDT

Can you identify this bush for me? It produces small purple berries. Are ttese berries edible for humans? Thanks, Paul

Harford County Maryland

Expert Response

This looks like a Serviceberry (Amelanchier species), but it's hard to be certain from the photos, and no plant whose identity is in question should be eaten in case it's a non-edible look-alike. There are several species of Serviceberry that grow in Maryland, and some hybrids between those species are also planted. The fruits on all of them are essentially the same, turning rosy-red as they ripen, and becoming dark purple-blue when fully ripe.

Serviceberry produces edible berries that taste and look a bit like a purplish blueberry, but the fruits on tree's we've seen lately are all gone, having already been eaten by birds and other wildlife. Scattered, shriveled or greener-skinned fruit left on the plant are probably not edible/palatable, as either they didn't ripen properly or may have been infected by rust, a fungal disease common to Serviceberry and some other related trees/shrubs.

Miri

My initial question was answered. Then I sent in a follow-up question, which was not answered.


THanks

The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2025, 3:35 PM EDT
Unfortunately, we didn't receive a second query from you (if you sent it in this same thread). Would you please try resending the follow-up question?
Miri,

Thank you, what sort of picture might I take in order to make identification more certain?

Thanks,

Paul

The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2025, 3:22 PM EDT
I apologize for the lateness of this reply. The Ask Extension platform experienced technical problems that prevented us from receiving your response until today.

Photos clearly showing the leaf shape and how they attach to the branch are important, and for the fruits, anything showing them in good lighting (perhaps next to a ruler, but that might not be necessary in this case), since the current photos are too backlit and not in focus. Bark images can help, but by themselves are not very diagnostic, especially since bark appearance can change over time as a tree matures.

You can also use tools like Virginia Tech's tree ID key to narrow-down what species it's likely to be. They key can be used for foliage during the growing season and twigs and overwintering buds during the dormant season.

Miri
Thanks Miri.

I'll have to wait until spring to get decent photos of the berries.

Have a good weekend,

Paul
The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2025, 8:40 PM EDT
No problem, thank you. A photo of the flowers (which will be present earlier in the season than the fruits) is usually sufficient for ID.

Miri

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