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Vermont Garden Journal: Serviceberry Trees

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Legend has it that Serviceberry got its name from people in early Colonial times. When they saw the tree flowering, they knew the ground was thawed enough to bury people who died in the winter.

Serviceberry grows in full sun or part shade, in a variety of soil types and can be 10 to 25 feet tall depending on the species. 

The wild Serviceberry tree is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring and is often found along the forest edge. It has beautiful white flowers and delicious berries,

While the native tree is great, there are some nice varieties as well. Autumn Brilliance has beautiful fall foliage and resists fire blight and leaf spot diseases. Prince William grows only 10 feet tall and is more tolerant of wet soil conditions. Saskatoons, which come in two types, have large berries that have a wild blueberry flavor.

This week's tip:

As winter turns to spring and the temperatures start rising, tree buds will start swelling. It's a good time to wander into wet meadows looking for wild pussy willow branches. Cut and place them in a dry vase indoors. If you want to grow some pussy willow plants, place the branches in a vase of water and they'll probably root.

Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, radio and TV show host, consultant, and speaker. Charlie is the host of All Things Gardening on Sunday mornings at 9:35 during Weekend Edition on Vermont Public. Charlie is a guest on Vermont Public's Vermont Edition during the growing season. He also offers garden tips on local television and is a frequent guest on national programs.
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