Like many South Rim plants, it is delightful to see the serviceberry leaf
out and bloom. This occurs at higher and higher levels of the Canyon walls
as spring progresses, starting as early as March in the Hermit Shale. Late
summer and fall rains can induce blooming and fruiting even after frost
has set in.
The flower clusters are a favorite of mule deer and other browsers. Later,
the purple berries continue to nourish animals and people. Indians used
the berries extensively for food, especially in pemmican, their brand of
"trail mix". Fruits are used by the Navajo as an emetic and for skin wounds.
Serviceberry wood is hard and flexible, useful for many implements including
bows and snowshoes. |
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