Juneberry is a shrub or modest tree, up to 25′ (7.6 m), that produces nicely scented flowers and sweet fruits enjoyed by birds.
Identification: The flowers, which appear in early spring, are white, occurring in groups of up to 20 flowers, each about ¾″ (1.9 cm) in size. The berries are dark red, turning dark purple. This is very similar to
Amelanchier laevis, but its young stems and leaves are silky-haired. Leaves are oval, up to 3″ (7.6 cm) long.
This description is actually for Amelanchier lamarkii, not
Amelanchier canadensis ‘Lamarkii’. I don't know if these two are the same.
Edibility: They are pomes, the same type
of fruit as apples and pears, and taste somewhat like apples or, according to one account, "nutty blueberries."
They are used to make pies and jams, and were used by Native Americans as part of pemmican.