What is this tree?

Hi to all,

Encountered on a Brooklyn NY street today, a tree about 12 feet tall with small leaves, and an abundance of tiny cherry-like 1/4" or less diameter purple and red fruits.  I bit one (but did not eat it) its juicy but flavorless, non acidic, non astringent, non-toxic (apparently) and soft with a tiny seed inside, not something Im dying to have to maybe the birds would like it. Pics attached. Any idea what that is?  Oh, greyish bark, non thorny.  Thanks..M

Since it is a street tree I think it could be a Kwanzan Cherry Tree Prunus 'Kwanzan'. But I need better photo of the leafs and bark. I need to see if the leaf edge has a toothed or rounded toothed edge. I also need to see if the bark has stripes of brown or a lighter color.

serviceberry. Amelanchier spp..

aka saskatoon aka juneberry

Thank you Greg , I followed up with some resources to double check it,  I think you're right.  M

I was curious so I took some fruits and dried some, they are small, a bit like dried elderberries, a tiny seed up to four, not unpleasant but not bursting with flavor. Still I can see how early peoples were thankful for it, it seems to have tons of uses, would probably make a fine wine or jam. Its very generous with fruit.  I had a few more fresh off the tree, they were a little better than they were a week ago. I like it, though I think it would be a great tree to plant over the chickens or turkeys.

Michael Littlejohn wrote:I was curious so I took some fruits and dried some, they are small, a bit like dried elderberries, a tiny seed up to four, not unpleasant but not bursting with flavor. Still I can see how early peoples were thankful for it, it seems to have tons of uses, would probably make a fine wine or jam. Its very generous with fruit.  I had a few more fresh off the tree, they were a little better than they were a week ago. I like it, though I think it would be a great tree to plant over the chickens or turkeys.

They are service berries.  We call them “ Saskatoons” and where I live they are bushes not really trees and they are everywhere.  They are a prominent ingredient in Pemmican. Yes, they are dry but actually make pretty good pies, etc. They are quite useful and I do use them.

I’m sure their taste is always a result of the type of weather that year and their environment.  Some years they are better than others. Glad you found them!

greg mosser wrote:serviceberry. Amelanchier spp..

aka saskatoon aka juneberry

100% Agree with this

Likely a hybrid, variety 'Autumn Brilliance' or 'Robin Hill'

Great eating for people (if birds don't get them first)

Readily sprouting and easily propagated

A good plant for sure :)