Greetings from Earthen, 

 

The greenery is deepening and it’s warming up day by day in Central Oregon. May feels like it holds its breath before summer truly arrives. It’s a time of transitions, and for many native plants and pollinators, it’s showtime.

 

This month, take a moment to look skyward. Longer twilight hours mean more chances to catch a glimpse of early evening bats, returning swifts, or even—if the sun flares just right—a rare aurora glimmering in our northern skies. As always, minimizing harsh outdoor lights helps preserve both your view and your neighbors’.

 

With Mother’s Day approaching, you might think about offering something enduring—like a service project or a native plant that keeps on giving. Local shops like  might have native shrubs or pollinator-friendly perennials perfect for gifting. 

 

Now for this month's spotlight:

 

May Botanical Spotlight: Serviceberry | Amelanchier alnifolia

 

The Western Serviceberry is one of our favorite native shrubs—adaptable, beautiful, and a boon for pollinators and wildlife. Also called Saskatoon or Pacific Serviceberry, this deciduous shrub is native throughout much of the Pacific Northwest and thrives in Central Oregon’s variable conditions.

 

It bursts into clusters of delicate white blossoms in early spring, often before its leaves have fully emerged. These blooms attract a variety of native bees, butterflies, and early pollinators. Later in summer, they mature into small, deep purple berries—sweet and edible, tasting a bit like a cross between blueberry and apple. They’re loved by birds and people alike (if you can beat the robins to them).

 

Serviceberry can reach 6–15 feet in height depending on conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soils, as long as they’re well-draining. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, making it a superb choice for a water-wise landscape.

 

Fun fact: historically, serviceberries were a significant food source for many Indigenous peoples of the region, often used fresh, dried, or mixed into pemmican.

 

We'll leave you with a small reminder: if you’re using herbicides or fertilizers this season, consider choosing organic or pollinator-safe options. What we put into the ground affects more than we often see.

 

Wishing you a joyful, blossoming May 2025.


Stay grounded,

Mike