Knowledgebase
Berry bush #906378
Asked June 19, 2025, 10:32 AM EDT
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
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
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
Miri