Which Berries Grow on Trees?

Berry Trees Attract Birds

Knowing which berries grow on trees will help you design a garden full of edible and ornamental berries. Berry trees are easy to grow. Many berry trees also attract song birds to the garden. If you're planning a garden to nurture nature, planting berry trees such as elderberry, mulberry and holly provides birds with enticing food choices and shelter to build nests. Add perennials and elements such as feeders and bird baths, sit back, and enjoy the show!

Cherry Trees for Fruit

One of the best-known trees that produce berries is the cherry tree. Cherry trees grow in slightly acidic soil, preferring a pH of around 6.2 to 6.8. They dislike hot summers and need a period of cold during the winter in order to set fruit. The biggest pests will be tent caterpillars, which form big nets or tents on the trees and consume the leaves. Birds will also flock to the cherry trees and eat the fruit unless you pick it promptly or use barriers, such as nets, to keep them off the ripe fruit.

Cherry Blossoms

Most people grow cherry trees for their showy pink flowers. Each spring, cherries produce an abundance of frilly pink flowers. The petals fall like drifts of pink snow into carpets along the lawn. The most famous area for viewing cherry tree blossoms in America is Washington D.C. Japan is also noted for its fine cherry trees.

Mulberry Trees for Wildlife

Native to Asia, mulberry trees were brought to Europe and then to North America. Some species of mulberry are native to the east coast of America too. Many of the mulberries found growing wild in America are descended from trees planted by the early colonists. The colonists hoped to grow silk worms, which thrive among mulberry trees, and capitalize on the demand for silk cloth. Unfortunately their plan didn't work, but the trees thrived. Today, mulberry trees provide edible berries as well as food for wildlife. Avoid planting near sidewalk, since the berries can stain cement and concrete.

Acai Berries

While you can't grow acai berries in the backyard, these berries that grow on trees are all the rage among the health food set. The berries are rich in antioxidants and may provide a health boost. They're native to South America.

Elderberry Trees

Elderberry trees thrive in moist, slightly acidic soil. They make wonderful additions to bird and wildlife gardens. Many species of songbirds love elderberries and will enjoy these tasty treats. Deer also enjoy elderberries, so avoid planting elderberry trees near plants that deer may snack on unless you're willing to sacrifice a few plants to the wildlife.

Cornelian Cherry or Dogwood

The Cornelian cherry is actually a type of dogwood. Cornus mas, or Cornelian cherry, provides tart red fruits similar to the cherry. In Europe, the Cornelian cherry is made into sauces, syrups and desserts, but it's not well known in America. The Cornelian cherry is very hardy and disease resistant. Fruits ripen in August and are also beloved by song birds.

Hawthorn Toughness

Hawthorn trees are actually related to the rose. They are known for their incredibly tough wood. In Britain, the hawthorn was grown for its ability to form a thick, thorn-filled hedge. Hawthorns hybridize easily, and there are now over a thousand species available. Check with your local garden center if you want to grow hawthorn to ensure you choose a variety that will thrive in your area.

Holly Provides Berries

The holly tree with its Christmas-bright berries can grow to splendid heights. Its evergreen, shiny leaves provide year-round interest, while female trees produce red berries in the winter. While the berries aren't edible for people, the birds will love them. You can also cut holly branches for decorations. Holly can be grown easily in zones 6 and higher, but choose varieties carefully in the colder zones, and make sure you have two or more plants to get berries - they need a pollinator.

Know Which Berries Grow on Trees

Whether you wish to grow berry trees for edible berries or to attract song birds, there's a certain pleasure in noticing the changing seasons among the berry trees. The bright foliage color and berries and the changing flutter of migrating song birds makes growing berry trees worthwhile.