9 Berries That Grow on Bushes - The Bohemian Raspberry

Fruits are amazing, healthy, fresh, and come straight from the earth itself. So many grow on bushes, trees, and vines. Do you know how many types of berries actually grow on bushes?

Below is a list of the top 9 berries that grow naturally on bushes, maybe even in your own backyard! Enjoy!

When using these berries, either raw or for cooking, it is important to make sure they are clean and rinsed completely before consumption to avoid harmful bacteria and unwanted insects. By washing your freshly picked fruits you can ensure safe eating.

Berry	Edible?	Health Benefits
Blueberries	Yes	Antioxidants, reduce blood pressure, may help maintain healthy bones
Strawberries	Yes	Contains fiber, which may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fat and sugar-free.
Raspberries	Yes	Potassium, which may aid in lower blood pressure, heart disease risk
Huckleberries	Yes	May lower cholesterol, protects against heart disease, contains vitamin C, and may protect the eyes
Wineberries	Yes	Contains vitamin C, minerals, fiber, and may lower blood pressure
Loganberries	Yes	Rich in vitamin C, E, and many antioxidants
Wonderberries	Yes	Contains fiber, antioxidants and contains Vitamin C, E, and A
Mulberries	Yes	Good source of iron, vitamin C, and may help fatty liver disease and lower cholesterol levels
Cranberries	Yes	May protect against liver disease, may lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health

1. Blueberries

Blueberries first originated in Central Asia over 100,000 years ago. Today, blueberries are highly popular across the world with a variety of uses.

Some of these uses include cooking and baking things such as salads and cakes. Blueberries grow on bushes and can often be spotted quickly due to their dark blue hue.

Blueberries often like to grow in nature-filled areas with access to lots of rain, sun, and acidic soil. These places include Oregon, Washington, and California.

These berries are perfect for cooking due to their sweet flavor and small size. A blueberry bush may be defined by its light brown thick branches, light green leaves, and round petite blueberries on the ends in summer.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries first originated in Europe during the 18th century. This fruit is popular in the world and will grow in most places. Strawberries do in fact grow on bushes, they can be distinguished by their bright green leaves, bright red strawberries, and elongated green runners (stems).

Strawberries are edible, whether picked up from the grocery store or picked from your own backyard. These berries can be used in a variety of ways in baking, cooking, and in some cases, medicines.

Strawberries contain a bundle of health benefits when consumed such as vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and they may help lower blood pressure.

3. Raspberries

Raspberries first originated in North America and Asia Minor. These berries are now popular across the world and grow almost everywhere. You can find them growing wild in forest edges and grassy areas with other surrounding plants, lots of sunlight, and water.

Raspberries are wonderfully edible. In times of need, these berries were used for medicinal purposes in hopes of healing those who needed it. Some health benefits of these berries include promoting nasal health and reducing pain during labor (of course this was many years ago).

These fruits are able to be eaten directly or can be cooked and/or baked with. The average raspberry bush has light green leaves and often thorny, reddish stems, along with an abundance of red berries in summer.

4. Huckleberries

The huckleberry originated in the eastern and southeastern United States. These berries are now commonly found in North America. Huckleberry bushes may be recognized by their blueberry-like berries, glossy deep green leaves, and dark green stems.

The huckleberry is edible and may be used for baking, cooking, jams, and even some wines. These berries mature in the months of July to September and like to grow in wetlands filled with plenty of sunshine and water.

5. Wineberries

Wineberries first originated in both Japan and Eastern Asia. These berries are popular among farmers for cross-breeding and creating other berry varieties. Wineberries may be distinguished by their bright orangish reddish color, long, thin, brown stems, and bright green leaves.

The wineberry commonly grows in places including forests and wetlands in Michigan, New England, and Eastern Canada.

This berry is edible and can be used for many things, including drinks, tarts, baking, and cooking. Wineberry’s flavor is described as like a sweet and more fall-apart textured raspberry.

6. Loganberries

Loganberries first originated in Santa Cruz, California in 1880. This berry grows on shrubs that are distinguished by fanned-out bright green leaves with three lobes and light green stems. Loganberries themselves resemble raspberries but in a darker color.

The loganberry bush commonly grows in environments well-populated with other plants as well as an abundance of sunlight, such as Washington and Oregon.

These berries are edible and commonly used in the making of wines, jams, and pies. Furthermore, these berries may be preserved, frozen, and even canned for a variety of uses.

7. Wonderberry

The wonderberry was created artificially by a man in West Central Africa. Although these berries look similar to that of huckleberry, this plant is a different species altogether.

The wonderberry plant is recognized by its small white flowers, dark berries, and bright green leaves. These beautiful berries have a variety of uses including baking, cooking, jams, and pies.

8. Mulberry

Close up fresh mulberries fruit in wooden spoon on table

The mulberry first originated in China. This bush. or small tree was taken into cultivation after discovering that silkworms enjoyed the berries. It was almost as if the silkworms were performing better due to the healing properties of the mulberry. This led to its popularity.

Mulberry trees are grown in fewer places now and these numbers may continue to decrease over the years. Mulberries have a very high pollen production rate and may be considered invasive in some areas.

The mulberry, however, is edible and may be used for a variety of things including the making of jams, sweet treats, and some savory dishes!

9. Cranberries

Cranberries first originated in northeastern North America. These berries are popular mostly in the United States including Wisconsin and Massachusetts. The cranberry grows on a low-growing bush that can be distinguished by its dark red berries, and shiny deep green leaves.

The cranberry can be eaten and is popular in the fall months. It is commonly used in Thanksgiving dinners as cranberry sauce, chutney, and an addition to pies. It may provide several health benefits including the protection of the kidneys and as an aid in treating urinary tract infections, as well a treatment in certain cancers and fatigue syndrome.

Cranberries are known to have a tart and sour taste, use caution when eating them straight off the plant!

How to Properly Wash Your Berries

In order to fully complete the process of picking berries, you must wash them! These tiny berries may carry harmful bacteria, dirt, small insects, and more. Washing this away will lower your chances of consuming anything harmful.

Washing berries in a bowl using water and vinegar

But how do you wash your berries?

Create a mixture of three parts water and one part distilled white vinegar (3:1).
Completely soak the berries in the mixture for no more than 10 minutes. If soaked for too long this may create soggy berries and even lead to a vinegar taste within them due to long exposure. This method not only cleans berries but also extends their shelf life for longer periods of consumption.
If you do not have vinegar on hand, using warm water may just be the trick. Be sure to cover all berries in warm water and let them soak for around 8-10 minutes, this gets the loose dirt off, when done soaking, rinse off thoroughly and enjoy! (Source)