Berry Trees & Bushes

Common Berry Bushes

• Raspberry and blackberry bushes are among the most common berries the home gardener grows. Both plants grow best in full sun and moist, rich soil. The plants produce flowers and fruit on canes that require annual pruning and sometimes trellising to keep them productive. Raspberries thrive in areas with cold winters, while blackberries fare better in mild regions.

Gooseberries, Currants and Elderberries

• Gooseberries, currants and elderberries grow on attractive bushes in Northern regions. These plants prefer cool summers and moist, rich soil. In warmer climates, they are prone to disease and do not produce fruit reliably. All three berries are very tart and are used mostly for preserves and pies, as opposed to fresh eating.

Mulberry Trees

• Many people prefer fruitless mulberries as landscaping plants, but fruited red, white or black mulberry trees produce large, sweet fruit. The fruit is highly perishable, but resembles blackberries and is used for fresh eating, jams and pies. Pick the fruit when ripe to avoid a mess on lawns, cars and sidewalks. Birds and wildlife eat the fruit, as well.

Wild Berries

• Wild berries grow in many woodland areas throughout the U.S. Wild blackberries and raspberries are usually smaller and tarter than cultivated crops. Wild blueberries and huckleberries, a berry that resembles blueberries, grow throughout the Pacific Northwest. Cranberries and lingonberries are low-lying plants that produce tart berries, best used in baked dishes. Check with local officials for the best areas to pick berries and take a guide book to positively identify the berries since some wild berries are poisonous.