shadbush
|shad-bush|
/ˈʃædˌbʊʃ/
spring‑flowering serviceberry shrub
Etymology
'shadbush' originates from English, a compound of 'shad' (the fish) + 'bush' (a shrub); the name refers to the shrub's flowering time coinciding with the spring run of shad.
'shadbush' developed in North American English as a vernacular compound; the term was applied to Amelanchier species and related common names such as 'shadblow' appeared in regional usage.
Initially the name simply linked the plant to the timing of the shad run ('shad' + 'bush'), and it has retained that seasonal association while becoming the established common name for certain Amelanchier species.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of several North American shrubs or small trees of the genus Amelanchier, noted for early spring flowers and small pome fruits (also called serviceberry or juneberry).
The shadbush along the river was covered in white blossoms each April.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, a common name applied to particular species such as Amelanchier canadensis (commonly called shadblow or shadbush) whose flowering coincides with the spring shad run.
Local fishermen said the shadbush blooms when the shad begin to run upstream.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/22 13:12