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Common Trees 



SHAD BUSH 



Amelanchier canadensis, (Linnaeus) Medicus 



THE SHAD Bush, also called Service Berry, June Berry, 

 and Sarvice, is one of the most conspicuous small trees 

 when in full bloom early in spring. The early settlers ob- 

 served that it was in full bloom when the shad ascended the 

 rivers to spawn. 



The leaves are simple, 

 alternate, egg-shaped, 3 

 to 4 inches long, sharp- 

 pointed, finely 

 toothed along margin, 

 when young hairy, 

 later smooth. 



The flowers appear 

 just when the leaves 

 start to come out. They 

 are white, stalked, ar- 

 ranged in drooping clus- 

 ters 3 to 5 inches long. 



The fruit is a red- 

 dish-purple sweet berry, 

 about one-third of an * 

 inch in diameter, coated 

 with whitish bloom 

 when fully ripe, matures 

 in June or July. 



The bark is usually smooth, grayish, often marked with 

 black streaks. The twigs are slender, bright green to pur- 

 plish-brown, smooth. The buds are slender, conical, % of 

 an inch long, 3 to 4 times as long as wide, sharp-pointed, 

 greenish-brown. 



The wood is heavy, hard, light to dark brown, checks 

 and warps easily. 



The Shad Bush is found from Newfoundland west to 

 Kansas and south to Florida and Louisiana. It is common 

 throughout most sections of the State, especially the high- 

 lands of central New York and southward on the Alleghany 

 plateau. It is usually found solitary or in small clumps. 

 Along the border of forests, along fences, roads and water- 

 courses one usually finds this small tree that rarely exceeds 

 25 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter. Its fine floral 

 beauty recommends the protection of this beautiful tree, 

 which also yields delicious berries for man, birds and other 

 animals. 



SHAD BUSH 



Flower, fruit, and twig section, enlarged. 



One-fourth natural size. 



