Berry-Producing Trees

Ilex Genus (Holly)

• Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) is a deciduous holly tree growing between 9 and 18 feet high. Possumhaw thrives in a damp, acidic site, growing native in parts of the Southeast. Possumhaw's bright red berries, developing on the pollinated female specimens, are both showy and long lasting, staying on the tree into winter. Possumhaw is appropriate as a screen, foundation plant, hedge or specimen plant. American holly (Ilex opaca) generates red berries on the female plants when a male individual is close by to pollinate the tree. American holly grows between 15 and 30 feet in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.

Celtis Genus (Hackberry)

• Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is especially cold hardy, surviving to Zone 2. It is native from New England west to the Great Plains, growing to 100 feet in some instances. Hackberry tolerates exposure to urban pollutants and wind, with its purple berries edible and attracting wildlife. The black berries of the sugarberry tree (Celtis laevigata) are sweet and edible. This form of hackberry grows in the southern states west to Texas and Oklahoma. Sugarberry grows to 60 feet in full sun and the tree produces flowers in late April when its leaves bud out. Like hackberry, sugarberry grows in difficult sites and functions as a street or shade tree.

Morus Genus (Mulberry)

• The fruits of the mulberries resemble blackberries; they are sweet and edible. White mulberry (Morus alba) is a naturalized species, native to China but common in many portions of North America. White mulberry grows between 30 and 50 feet high, forming windbreaks when planted in rows and producing berries of different colors, including pink and white. Red mulberry (Morus rubra) grows between 35 and 50 feet in eastern states, yielding red to purple fruits on female trees. These berries on the mulberry trees can become quite messy, staining cars and sidewalks, especially when eaten by birds that then get their colorful droppings everywhere, warns the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Amelanchier Genus (Serviceberry)

• By June, the berries of Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) are ripe, turning purple-black and being similar to blueberries in size and taste. This form of serviceberry grows between 15 and 40 feet, making it a good fit for bird gardens. The berries are suitable for pies and jellies. Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) grows from the Carolinas north to Maine, maturing to 20 feet. Its white flowers bloom in March and yield a red berry that eventually ripens to black.