Fruit-Bearing Shrubs

Blueberry

• Blueberry shrubs are fruit-bearers, but are among the most difficult to maintain due to the specific growth requirements, reports the University of Minnesota Extension program. The shrub's fruit have a round, blue appearance and grow in clusters. Blueberry bushes need acidic, well-draining soils. Although blueberry shrubs tolerate partially shaded areas, these bushes prefer full sunlight. If properly maintained, blueberry shrubs live between 30 and 50 years.

Raspberry

• Raspberry colors vary depending on cultivar. Red and black are two of the most common colors. The Fall Gold cultivar produces yellow berries, while Brandywine and Royalty display purple fruit. Some raspberry shrubs bear fruit in the summer, while others produce two crops of fruit per year. Raspberry shrubs with two crops are known as everbearing. Spring and fall are the two periods for the raspberry crops. Raspberries are able to grow in several types of environments, but grow best in sandy soils.

Blackberry

• Blackberry shrubs have an upright growth pattern and reach heights up to 6 feet. These shrubs feature hardened, hairless thorns, but the shrub's fruit is soft and sweet. Blackberry shrubs are native to the Southeastern United States. Its roots are perennial, meaning it lives for more than 2 years, but the aboveground canes and stems are biennial, living for only 2 years. Blackberry shrubs often become nuisance weeds if not pruned or properly managed.

Currant and Gooseberry

• Currants and gooseberries are two closely related, fruit-bearing shrubs in the Ribes genus. Three types of currant fruit exist: red, white and black. Red and white currants are known as the R. sativum species and are more common than black currants (R. nigrum). American gooseberries (R. hirtellum) and European gooseberries (R. uva-crispa) produce grape-sized berries, while currants are pea-sized and grow in clusters. Full sunlight is preferable for growing both shrub types, but gooseberries and currants also tolerate partial shade.

Elderberry

• Elderberry is identified by its clusters of white flowers, which blossom May and June, and dark-green leaves. After its flowers bloom, an elderberry bush produces red, black or blue berries. Black and blue fruit are edible to humans, but the red varieties cause nausea if eaten in large quantities. Birds are able to eat red berries without problem. Elderberries require a regular amount of water and prefer full sunlight, although they also grow in partial shade.