Coastal Serviceberry in Bloom
Coastal Serviceberry (Amelanchier oblongifolia) is a small tree that blooms early in the growing season before other trees in the forest overstory have sprouted leaves. It only occurs in wetland forests and its white flowers are on display along the Scuppernong Interpretive Boardwalk on Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Serviceberry is a member of the rose family and its fragrant flowers attract large numbers of bees. It will bear fruit in early April before any other fruit is available to wildlife.